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A large Many-striped Puffer at Florence Bay.

Locations

Rare at Magnetic Island, but potentially found in most bays with coral reefs.

Habitat Preferences

Reef slopes and crests.

Biology & Ecology

The Many-striped puffer feeds on a wide range of prey, such as worms, molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms, as well as small fishes. 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. The teeth are also very powerful and capable of severing fingers and toes, so care should be taken if handling this fish.

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) .