- Map puffer
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Map puffer Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Tetraodontiformes Family: Tetraodontidae Genus: Arothron Species: A. mappa Binomial name Arothron mappa
(Lesson, 1831)The map puffer, Arothron mappa, is a pufferfish of the genus Arothron, and can be found in reefs throughout the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. It reaches a maximum length of 65 cm.
It has an oval shape and the body is covered in small prickles. It is gray in color with black patterns, which could be considered map like in appearance, its identifying feature. It feeds on algae, corals, sponges, sea squirts, crustaceans and mollusks.
Like most puffers, the map puffer is highly poisonous to eat.
References
- Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2006). "Arothron mappa" in FishBase. November 2006 version.
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