Thai National Parks

The map puffer (Arothron mappa), also known as the map pufferfish, is a demersal marine fish belonging to the family Tetraodontidae.

Description

Arothron mappa is a medium-sized fish which grows up to 65 cm length. Its body is oval shape, spherical yet relatively elongated. The skin is not covered with scales. The fish has no pelvic fin and no lateral line. The dorsal fin and the anal fin are small, symmetric and located at the end of the body. Its snout is short with two pairs of nostrils and its mouth is terminal with four strong teeth.

The background coloration is whitish with dense network of black, brown or greenish broken lines, with an irradiant line departure from the eye. Depending on specimen, some dark or yellowish blotches can occur around the mouth, the symmetrical anus, on the fins or anywhere on the body.

Distribution and habitat

This species is found in tropical and subtropical waters from the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific Ocean. It lives close to reef drop-off and sheltered lagoons from the surface to 30 m depth.

Feeding

Arothron mappa feeds on benthic invertebrates, sponges and algaes.

Behaviour

This pufferfish has a diurn activity, It is also solitary.

Toxicity

Arothron mappa contains tetrodotoxin - an extremely toxic sodium channel blocker which protects it from predators.

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