Sphoeroides

Common Names

Sphoeroides species are commonly referred to as pufferfish, blowfish, or swellfish. Some species have specific common names, such as the "spotted pufferfish" (S. maculatus), "grey pufferfish" (S. spengleri), and "chevron pufferfish" (S. testudineus).

Characteristics

Sphoeroides species share several defining characteristics:

• Inflatable body: They can rapidly inflate their bodies with water or air, making them appear much larger and deterring predators. This inflation is achieved by swallowing water or air into a specialized pouch in their abdomen.
• Beak-like teeth: They have strong, beak-like teeth that are fused together, allowing them to crush hard-shelled prey like crabs and mollusks.
• Venomous skin and organs: Sphoeroides species contain tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin, in their skin, liver, and ovaries. This toxin can be deadly to humans if ingested.
• Camouflage: Many species exhibit excellent camouflage, blending in with their surroundings to avoid predators. Their body coloration and patterns can vary depending on the environment.
• Small scales: Sphoeroides species have small, embedded scales, giving their skin a smooth, leathery appearance.

Environment

Sphoeroides species inhabit a variety of marine and brackish water environments, including:

• Coastal waters: They are often found along shorelines, estuaries, and bays.
• Reefs: Some species are associated with coral reefs, where they find shelter and food.
• Seagrass beds: Sphoeroides can be found in seagrass beds, where they feed on invertebrates.
• Mangrove forests: Some species inhabit mangrove forests, which provide a rich and diverse habitat.

References

For further information on Sphoeroides, refer to the following reliable sources:

• FishBase
• World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
• PubMed