Lagocephalus laevigatus (Linnaeus, 1766)

Taxonomic Classification

Lagocephalus laevigatus, commonly called the smooth puffer, is a pufferfish species that belongs to the family Tetraodontidae.

Geographic Range

This species is native to two regions of the Atlantic Ocean: the Western Atlantic, where its range extends from New England to Argentina, and the Eastern Atlantic, where it ranges from Mauritania to Namibia.

Habitat Segregation by Life Stage

Adult smooth puffers are pelagic and live near continental margins, while juveniles are most often found closer to shore or on offshore banks.

Both adult and juvenile smooth puffers occur either alone or in small, loose groups.

Substrate and Depth Range

The species inhabits sandy or muddy bottoms at depths between 10 meters (33 feet) and 180 meters (591 feet).

Maximum Size

It is a very large pufferfish, growing to a maximum total length of 100 centimeters (39.4 inches).

Diet

Smooth puffers feed on fish and shrimp.

Toxicity to Humans

If ingested by humans, this species can be dangerously toxic.

Reproduction Mode

It is an oviparous species.

Similar Species Misidentification

It is sometimes misidentified as the closely related Lagocephalus inermis, a species native to the Indo-Pacific.