Bluespotted Toadfish, Omegophora cyanopunctata Hardy & Hutchins, 1981
Blue-spotted Puffer, Bluespotted Pufferfish
Click to enlarge image
© Sascha Schulz
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Omegophora
- Species
- cyanopunctata
- Family
- Tetraodontidae
- Order
- Tetraodontiformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The species grows to 18 cm in length.
Introduction
The Bluespotted Toadfish is endemic to Australia, occurring in coastal waters of South Australian and southern Western Australia. It has a yellow belly and blue spots. Males have a dark blotch above the pectoral fin.
Identification
The species can be recognised by its dark banding, yellow belly and blue spots. Males have a dark blotch above the pectoral fin.
Habitat
The fish occurs on coastal reefs and is often seen under jetties.
Distribution
The Bluespotted Toadfish occurs in coastal waters of South Australia and southern Western Australia.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Danger to humans
The species contains tetrodotoxin and is thus poisonous. It should not be eaten.
References
- Gomon, M.F., Bray, D. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 2008. The Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Reed New Holland. Pp. 928.
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
