Starry Puffer catching forty winks

Starry Puffer catching forty winks

Starry Puffer catching forty winks on a rubble strewn seabed, a few young coral shoots springing up from the dead corals. Starry Puffers often rest on sandy sea beds or hanging in midwater along coral drop-offs, they are generally solitary and if woken from their peaceful respite, occasionally bite the perpetrator! Puffers often find places to sleep during the day, often in coral nooks or on sandy seabeds. They generally are less active during the daylight hours, hunting mostly at night, swimming slowly over the seabed or along the reef edge. However, they can make up for their slow motion movement with unexpected bursts of speed. If still endangered, they have a multitude of natural defenses including spines all over their bodies and the ability to intake water and double their size, hence the common name Puffer. Starry Puffers are considered the giant amongst thier fish family as they can reach lengths in excess of 1 meter.

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Starry Puffer Facts
Other names: Stellate Puffer
Scientific name: Arothron stellatus
Family: Tetraodontidae (Puffers)
Max. size: 120 cm
Depth: 3 - 58 metres
Diet: Benthic invertebrates, sponges, algae, polyps, crustaceans, molluscs
Habitat: Patch reefs, coral slopes, sandy areas of clear lagoons or seaward reefs
Distribution: Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to the Tuamoto Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island. Southeast Atlantic: south coast of South Africa.
Conservation: Not evaluated