| Family: |
Tetraodontidae (Puffers), subfamily: Tetraodontinae |
| Max. size: |
36 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 10 - 183 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: Newfoundland in Canada to northeastern Florida in USA. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Upper side grey or brown with poorly defined black spots and saddles. Belly yellow to white. Tiny jet-black pepper spots (about 1 mm in diameter) scattered over most of pigmented surface, particularly evident on cheeks. Lower sides with a row of black, elongate, bar-like markings. No lappets on head or body (Ref 53033). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits bays, estuaries and protected coastal waters. Sold as `sea squab' in northern part of range. Feeds primarily on shellfish, occasionally on finfish. Reportedly non-toxic. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 June 2011 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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