Masked puffer

The masked puffer (Arothron diadematus) is a pufferfish in the family Tetraodontidae.

Masked puffer
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Family: Tetraodontidae
Genus: Arothron
Species:
A. diadematus
Binomial name
Arothron diadematus
(Rüppell, 1829)

Distribution

Red Sea only.

Description

Maximum length 30 cm, olive-green/grey with a black mask over the eyes and pectoral fins, mouth has a black border.[2] Usually solitary but schools during mating period. Some authors believe this to be a variation of the species Arothron nigropunctatus.[3]

Habitat

Associated with coral reefs, from surface to 20m depth.[2]

  • Masked puffer face detail
    Masked puffer face detail
  • Masked puffer at night, resting (sleeping?) on a coral outcrop
    Masked puffer at night, resting (sleeping?) on a coral outcrop
  • View of the back
    View of the back

References
  1. Shao, K.; Liu, M.; Jing, L.; Hardy, G.; Leis, J.L.; Matsuura, K. (2014). "Arothron diadematus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T193722A2266549. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T193722A2266549.en. Retrieved 30 December 2021.
  2. Siliotti, A. (2002) fishes of the red sea Verona, Geodia ISBN 88-87177-42-2
  3. Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2007). "Arothron diadematus" in FishBase. 5 2007 version.


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