Takifugu pardalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1850)
Takifugu pardalis
photo by Suzuki, T.

Family:  Tetraodontidae (Puffers), subfamily: Tetraodontinae
Max. size:  30 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific: Hakodate, Japan to the East China and Yellow seas.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-14; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 9-12. Body without prickles and covered with small rounded elevations of skin. Pale brown with many blackish spots dorsally; white ventrally. Pectoral, dorsal and anal fins dull orange; caudal fin blackish (Ref. 559).
Biology:  Occurs near shore in rock bottoms (Ref. 11230).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 June 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  poisonous to eat


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