The round-spotted pufferfish can easily chew through cans.

1. Introduction

Lagocephalus sceleratus: Also known as round-spotted pufferfish, commonly known as fairy river puffer, gas gauge, and gauge puffer, it is an ray-finned puffer fish. A species of Tetraodontidae.

2. Characteristics

The body of this fish is cylindrical, with a smooth body surface and a small mouth. There are dark spots and small black spots on the back of the fish body, and a silvery white wide longitudinal band in the center of the body; the tail fin is moon-shaped. It is characterized by a silver triangular spot on the eye and black gill openings. The dorsal fin has 10-13 soft rays; the anal fin has 8-12 soft rays, and the body length can reach 110 cm.

3. Ecology

This fish inhabits the continental shelf in the reef-sand mixed area, and occasionally enters the estuary for activities. It swims slowly and will inhale a large amount of air or water when frightened, causing the fish to swell into a ball shape. It is carnivorous and feeds on small benthic animals.

4. Economic utilization

It is forbidden to eat. Tetrodotoxin is found in the skin, testicles, fish meat and internal organs. It is occasionally displayed in aquariums for viewing.