Masked puffer
The masked puffer (Arothron diadematus) is a pufferfish in the family Tetraodontidae.
| Masked puffer | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| 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.[1] Usually solitary but schools during mating period. Some authors believe this to be a variation of the species Arothron nigropunctatus.[2]
Habitat
Associated with coral reefs, from surface to 20m depth.[1]
Gallery
Masked puffer face detail
Masked puffer at night, resting (sleeping?) on a coral outcrop
References
- Siliotti, A. (2002) fishes of the red sea Verona, Geodia ISBN 88-87177-42-2
- Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2007). "Arothron diadematus" in FishBase. 5 2007 version.
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