Slick puffer – Sphoeroides kendalli

The Slick Puffer – Sphoeroides kendalli, also known as the Kendall’s Puffer, is a species of pufferfish found in the marine waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. These fish are characterized by their ability to inflate their bodies with water when threatened, making them appear much larger and more formidable to potential predators.

Description & Characteristics

The Slick Puffer – Sphoeroides kendalli can reach a maximum size of 18.0 cm. Its body is typically oval-shaped and somewhat compressed, with a slightly pointed snout. The coloration can vary, but often features a mottled pattern of browns and greens. Like many other pufferfish, Sphoeroides kendalli possesses sharp, pointed teeth that are fused into a beak-like structure. This unique feature is adapted for crushing hard-shelled prey.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Slick Puffer – Sphoeroides kendalli is typically found in shallow coastal waters, often in association with rocky reefs and seagrass beds. They can be found in depths ranging from the surface to around 100 meters. The species has been reported from various marine zones, including the epipelagic (surface to 200 meters) and the mesopelagic (200 to 1,000 meters) zones. The Slick Puffer – Sphoeroides kendalli is a relatively common inhabitant of these areas, particularly in the western Atlantic.

Taxonomy

The species Sphoeroides kendalli belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Tetraodontiformes, and Family: Tetraodontidae. This family, Tetraodontidae, is commonly known as the pufferfish or blowfish family and includes over 120 species distributed worldwide. The order Tetraodontiformes encompasses a variety of unique and often bizarre-looking fish, including pufferfish, triggerfish, and filefish.

Feeding

The Slick Puffer – Sphoeroides kendalli is a carnivorous fish with a diverse diet. Their diet primarily consists of invertebrates, including crabs, crustaceans, krill, rock shrimps, snails, and edible crab. They are known to supplement their diet with algae as well. Their strong beak-like teeth are perfectly adapted to crush the hard exoskeletons of their prey.