Torquigener flavimaculosus Hardy & Randall, 1983
Yellowspotted puffer
Torquigener flavimaculosus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Tetraodontidae (Puffers), subfamily: Tetraodontinae
Max. size:  16 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 57 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: northern Red Sea and Kenya; a recent emigrant to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal. Also reported from the Persian Gulf and Seychelles.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal soft rays: 7-8. This species is distinguished by the following characters: with spinules between nasal organs and dorsal-fin origin; dorsal surface of head and body with many small brownish dots, forming rosettes enclosing larger white spots; areas of small yellowish brown spots on the cheek may form broad vertical bands, separated by irregular narrow white bands; belly white; fins pale (Ref. 127964).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 June 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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