Sphoeroides annulatus (Jenyns, 1842)
Bullseye puffer
Sphoeroides annulatus
photo by Wirtz, P.

Family:  Tetraodontidae (Puffers), subfamily: Tetraodontinae
Max. size:  44 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 10 - 60 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: California, USA to Pisco, Peru and the Galapagos Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Remarkable for its highly tortuous lateral line; its nostrils also rather peculiar (Ref. 3157).
Biology:  Found on soft bottom (Ref. 9349). Juveniles inhabit estuaries (Ref. 9349). Makes a loud grating noise (Ref. 3157).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 May 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  poisonous to eat


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