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Triodon macropterus Lesson, 1831 Threetooth puffer |
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photo by
Justine, J.-L. |
| Family: | Triodontidae (Three-toothed puffer) | |||
| Max. size: | 54 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 50 - 300 m | |||
| Distribution: | Indo-West Pacific: East Africa to the Philippines, north to Japan, south to Australia and New Caledonia. Recently reported from Tonga (Ref. 53797). | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 9-10. This species is easily distinguished from superficially similar tetraodontid and diodontid larvae or early juveniles of comparable size by the following characters: separate premaxillae in conjunction with fused dentaries; with multicuspid spinoid scales; a jet-black mark in front of the soft dorsal fin; the developing pelvis, which is visible through the distended skin of the belly; with a number of procurrent caudal fin rays. It differs from the adult in having a huge head that measures 45% SL (vs. 28.5-32.7% in adult), absence of the characteristic dewlap with the conspicuous lateral ocellus, and structures of the scales and nostrils (Ref. 54815). Body yellowish-brown; belly flap white except for a yellow area around a black blotch (Ref. 4419). | |||
| Biology: | Rare species (Ref. 4419). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||