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An sub-adult Scribbled Puffer.

Locations

Potentially found in most bays with coral reefs. Definitive sighting from the Moltke wreck in Geoffrey Bay.

Habitat Preferences

Reef slopes and crests.

Biology & Ecology

The Scribbled puffer feeds on a wide range of prey, such as worms, algae, molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms. The puffers have exceptionally strong, chisel like teeth which they use to render the reef in search of food. They are usually seen singly, moving slowly over the reef or resting in a hollow. There is little published information on their ecology, although they are well known for the poison (tetrodotoxin) contained in their skin and internal organs, which has caused many human fatalities.

DANGEROUS: This fish is poisonous and should never be eaten.

First Aid:

• Induce vomiting
• Seek immediate medical advice
• Prepare to deliver CPR if breathing stops

Papers and articles

Mari Yotsu-Yamashita. 2001. Chemistry of pufferfish toxin. J. TOXICOL.—TOXIN REVIEWS, 20(1), 51–66 (2001) .

M. J. Sheaves. 1993. Patterns of Movement of Some Fishes Within an Estuary in Tropical Australia. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res., 1993, 44, 867-80 .