Arothron firmamentum (Temminck & Schlegel, 1850)
Starry toado
photo by CSIRO

Family:  Tetraodontidae (Puffers), subfamily: Tetraodontinae
Max. size:  35 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 10 - 360 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: southern Japan (Ref. 559) to Australia (New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania) and New Zealand (Ref. 5755). Southeast Atlantic: south coast of South Africa (Ref. 11228). Also found in Southwestern Atlantic: Argentine (Ref. 49964).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-14; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 13-14. Body covered with prickles (Ref. 559).
Biology:  Found over the continental shelf and slope (Ref. 9563).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 June 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  poisonous to eat


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