3.3.11.5 Tetraodontide (Pufferfishes/Blowfishes/Tobies)

3.3.11.5 Teraodontide (Pufferfishes/Blowfishes/Tobies)

  • Heavy and blunt body capable of rapid inflation by intake of water (or air)
  • Head large and blunt, jaws modified to form a beak and heavy powerful teeth, 2 above and 2 below
  • Eyes located high on head
  • Pelvic fins absent
  • Dorsal fin and anal fin located far posteriorly; no spines
  • Typical scales absent, but numerous small spiny prickles often present on back and/or belly, sometimes on sides

Eg. Canthigaster rivulata

Tetraodontide (Pufferfishes/Blowfishes/Tobies)

Similar Families

Diodontidae - Strong elongate spines cover head and body/a single tooth in each jaw.

Monacanthidae - Spinous dorsal fin/first dorsal fin spine very strong and long; 2nd spine very small.

Last modified: Tuesday, 24 January 2012, 6:10 AM