Arothron hispidus, like other pufferfishes, is highly poisonous, with the degree of toxicity varying greatly depending on the species, geographical area, and season.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 48cm
color
Greyish to greenish brown with small white spots on head, back and sides. 1 or 2 yellow rings and several yellow spots around pectoral fin. 2-5 bars across sides, always a short dark bar below eye and another below pectoral fin.
Generally found in shallow, sheltered areas up to 25 m deep, juveniles are often seen in weed-filled areas. Their diet is highly varied, consisting of molluscs, tunicates, sponges, corals, anemones, crabs, tubeworms, sea urchins, brittle stars and starfishes (including crown-of-thorns), and hydroids.
distinctive characters
The dorsal fin has 10-11 rays, the anal fin has 10-11 rays, and the pectoral fin has 17-19 rays. There are small spinules on the head and body, except for the snout and posterior caudal peduncle. The nostril consists of two fleshy flaps from a common base, which is characteristic of the genus. The caudal fin is rounded.