The Yellow-Eye Puffer, Plain Toado, Yellow-Eyed Puffer, Immaculate Pufferfish, Yellow-Eye Pufferfish, Immaculate Puffer, scientifically known as Arothron immaculatus, is a fascinating and unique fish species. This pufferfish, known for its distinctive features and intriguing behavior, is a captivating inhabitant of marine environments.
Description & Characteristics
The Arothron immaculatus is characterized by its striking yellow eyes, which stand out against its generally pale body color. These pufferfish are known for their ability to inflate their bodies with water when threatened, making them appear larger and more intimidating to potential predators. While they can reach a maximum size of 37.5 cm, they are often observed at smaller sizes, ranging from a few centimeters to around 25 cm.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Arothron immaculatus can be found in various marine zones, inhabiting depths ranging from 3.0 to 30.0 meters. It is often sighted in tropical and subtropical waters, preferring areas with coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and seagrass beds. These areas provide shelter, food sources, and breeding grounds for this species.
Taxonomy
The Arothron immaculatus belongs to a diverse family known as Tetraodontidae, which encompasses various pufferfish species. This family falls within the Order: Tetraodontiformes, which includes other unique fish like triggerfish and filefish. The Arothron immaculatus , like all pufferfish, belongs to the Class: Teleostei, a large group of bony fishes that constitute the vast majority of fishes.
Feeding
The Arothron immaculatus is an omnivorous feeder, consuming a variety of food sources. Its diet includes aquatic plants, brine shrimps, frozen food (large sort), invertebrates, Mysis, and Zoobenthos. Its feeding habits contribute to the balance of the marine ecosystem, playing a crucial role in regulating the populations of various organisms.
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