Description:

Dorsal spines: 0; Dorsal rays: 11-12; Anal spines: 0; Anal rays: 10 - 11. 

A large yellowish-grey to dark pufferfish becoming paler ventrally. Body covered in prickles. Intricate pattern of dark wavy lines and spots. Dark lines radiating from eyes. 
Large black blotch around the gill opening and the pectoral fin base. Black reticulations below pectoral fins. Long broad peduncle. Rounded caudal fin with wavy and broken 
dark barring. 

Maturity: Unknown. Max length : 65.0 cm TL.  
 

Inhabits clear lagoon and sheltered seaward reefs (depth 4-30m). Juveniles occur on seagrass beds. Adults usually found along reef drop-offs and close to shelter. Usually 
solitary. Feeds on algae, sponges, and benthic invertebrates including corals. Oviparous.

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. Released when caught by fishers because poisonous to eat.  
 

Poisonous to eat. It accumulates paralytic shellfish toxins.
Arothron mappa has been known to hybridize with A. nigropunctatus.
Photo provided courtesy of Mr Guido Carrara (c) 2021. Photo taken off Anse Possession, Praslin.
 

Bray, D.J. (2017). Arothron mappa in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/848 (23/10/21). 
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. Eds. (2021). FishBase. Arothron mappa, Map Puffer. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/7857 (23/10/21). 
McGrouther, M. (2019). Scribbled Puffer, Arothron mappa (Linnaeus, 1758). Australian Museum. 
https://australian.museum/learn/animals/fishes/map-pufferfish-arothron-mappa-linnaeus-1758/
Shao, K. et al (2014). Arothron mappa. The IUCN Red List 2014: e.T193671A2257989. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T193671A2257989.en. (23/10/21).

Nevill, J.E.G. & Carrara, G. (2021). Arothron mappa, Map puffer. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/arothron-mappa-lesson-1831/