Arothron reticularis (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)

Species Naming and Maximum Length

Arothron reticularis, commonly called the reticulated pufferfish, reaches an approximate total length of 425 mm (17 inches).

Body and Spine Characteristics

It has an oblong, flabby-textured body covered in short spines.

Head and Nostril Features

The region between its eyes is broad and flat, and each nostril bears a small, solid branched tentacle.

Lateral Line Structure

Its lateral line is indistinct and bends sharply above the anal fin.

Dorsal and Anal Fin Traits

Both the dorsal and anal fins are rounded; each has one or two spines and eight or nine soft rays.

Dorsal Body Coloration and Pattern

The fish's base body color is brown or deep grey, with whitish rounded spots on its dorsal surface that create a net-like pattern.

Head and Trunk Color Bands

Roughly nine alternating dark and pale color bands originate near the snout and curve around below the eye, mouth, and pectoral fin base.

Dark Blotch Markings

A large dark blotch appears on the gill flap and at the base of the pectoral fin.

Fin Coloration

The tail fin is spotted, while all other fins are translucent yellowish-brown.

Geographic Range

This species lives in the tropical western Indo-Pacific, with a range that extends from India's east coast to southern Japan, south to Australia, and east to Samoa.

Habitat Types and Depth Range

It inhabits marine waters, estuaries, and brackish water at depths down to around 20 meters (66 feet).

Favorable Adult Habitats

Favorable habitats include coral reefs adjacent to sandy and seaweed-covered areas, open sandy areas, seagrass meadows, and mangrove regions.

Juvenile Habitat Preferences

Juvenile reticulated pufferfish are often found among mangroves and sometimes enter the lower reaches of streams.