A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Arothron meleagris
This picture was taken in the Spotted Phase - the body is blackish/brown with numerous white spots. The fish transforms from the Spotted Phase to the Golden Phase, when it turns yellow/gold, with few black spots. Upto 30 centimetres in length.
Likes turbid waters near the shore, as well as coral & rock reefs, upto 20 metres depth. Solitary, feeds on live coral. Slow swimmer. In Eastern Pacific from Panama to Mexico.
Skin, intestines and organs are highly toxic (neurotoxic). When threatened will inflate by drawing in water.
Spotted on Feb 26, 2011
Submitted on Jan 14, 2012
1 Comment
Interesting picture and interesting information!