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Ferocious Pufferfish
Feroxodon multistriatus (Richardson, 1854)
A Ferocious Pufferfish at a depth of 12m, Cabbage Tree Island, Port Stephens, New South Wales, April 1999. View larger image.
The Ferocious Pufferfish can be recognised by its distinctive colouration. It has curved posteriorly sloping lines on the head and body. The lower regions of the head, body and caudal peduncle (glossary) are spotted.
This species grows to at least 90cm in length.
Its common name comes from its unprovoked attacks on people. It has been known to bite off the toes of swimmers.
This species occurs throughout the Indo-West Pacific.
In Australia it is recorded from off north-western Western Australia, around the tropical north, and south to northern New South Wales.
View a map of the collecting localities of specimens in the Australian Museum Fish Collection.
Further reading
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292. (as Anchisomus multistriatus)
- Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201. (as Anchisomus multistriatus)
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
