Sphoeroides parvus Shipp & Yerger, 1969
Least puffer
Sphoeroides parvus
photo by Sneegas, G.W.

Family:  Tetraodontidae (Puffers), subfamily: Tetraodontinae
Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: northern and western Gulf of Mexico, from northwestern Florida in USA to Campeche in Mexico.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Dorsally and laterally, basal pigmentation is a light grey or brown, with numerous spots and blotches, especially evident on lower flanks, where they form an irregular row near the ventrolateral body angle. An axil spot present, but is no more intense than other lateral spots and blotches. Ventral surface unpigmented. Prickles present from the snout to near dorsal fin, and chin to near to near anus ventrally, and present laterally on cheeks and to near level of dorsal fin. Lappets absent (Ref 53033).
Biology:  Inhabits shallow, turbid coastal waters and estuaries.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 11 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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