| Tetraodontidae (Puffers), subfamily: Tetraodontinae |
| 12 cm TL (male/unsexed); 9.05 cm SL (female) |
|
reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 27 m |
| Northwest Pacific: Japan, Ryukyu Is. |
|
Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal soft rays: 6-6; Vertebrae: 19-19. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D 9, A 6; pectoral-fin rays 16 with the dorsal-most ray nubbin-like and rudimentary; vertebrate 8 + 11 = 19; mid-side of body (from behind pectoral- to caudal-fin base) without the solid, dark, longitudinal stripe nor rows of dark spots; dorsal half of head and body with fine brown reticulations and many white spots, while ventral half silvery white with many white spots from chin to above anal-fin origin; dorsal rim of eye is light yellow; head and body with many two-rooted spinules (Ref. 97258). |
| This species has been observed by divers at 10-27 m on sandy bottom. Another population is found around 30 m at the northern part of Amami-oshima Island. Its behavior of building large geometric circles on sandy bottoms, makes this species unique. Female length (Ref. 97258). The circular structure plays an important role in influencing female mate choice, it functions to gather fine sand particles for constructing nests in preparaton for spawning (Ref. 97259). |
|
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| harmless |
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