The Star Blaasop, Staring Blow Fish, Star Puffer, Starry Pufferfish, Starry Toadfish, Stellate Puffer, scientifically known as Arothron stellatus, is a fascinating marine fish belonging to the pufferfish family.
Description & Characteristics
Arothron stellatus is a large, distinctive pufferfish, reaching a maximum size of 120.0 cm. Its body is covered in numerous, small, white spots that give it a starry appearance, hence its common name. These spots are scattered across a background of dark grey or olive green, contributing to its striking coloration. The fish possesses a robust, oval-shaped body, with a prominent head and large, protruding eyes. Like all pufferfish, Arothron stellatus has the ability to inflate itself with water when threatened, making it appear much larger and deterring potential predators.
Habitat and Occurrence
Arothron stellatus is a common resident of tropical and subtropical waters, typically inhabiting reefs and rocky areas within the Indo-Pacific region. It is found in a variety of marine zones, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy bottoms. This species is known to occur at depths ranging from 3.0 to 58.0 meters.
Taxonomy
Arothron stellatus belongs to the pufferfish family, Tetraodontidae, which is part of the order Tetraodontiformes and the class Teleostei. This classification places it within a diverse group of fishes known for their unique features, including the ability to inflate their bodies and possess a venomous toxin.
Feeding
Arothron stellatus is a predatory fish, feeding primarily on a variety of invertebrates. Its diet consists of clams, crustaceans, rock shrimps, snails, starfish, and zoobenthos (bottom-dwelling organisms). This species has a powerful beak-like mouth that allows it to efficiently crush and consume its prey. In captivity, they are known to accept frozen food, particularly large-sized items.
Image References