Description:

Dorsal spines: 0; Dorsal rays: 10-12; Anal spines: 0; Anal rays: 11-13. 

A heavy rounded body covered in small spines except on the snout and tail base. Large bluntly rounded head with short snout, each nostril bears two fleshy solid tentacles. 
Large teeth. Dorsal fin small, rounded and posteriorly positioned. Caudal peduncle long and broad, caudal fin rounded. Pelvic fins absent.

Colour. The Species has 2 colour morphs: black and yellow. the Black form is speckeld with white spots on body and fins, and white bars ventrally. The xanthic form is 
bright yellow with a few scattered black and white spots. 

Maturity: unknown. Max length : 50.0 cm TL.
 

Occurs in coral-rich areas of clear lagoon and seaward reefs (depth 1-73m). It can also be found on rocky reefs, although at low densities. Juveniles occur in estuaries, 
where they are commonly seen in weedy and seagrass areas. Feeds mostly on the tips of branching corals, but also known to feed on sponges, molluscs, bryozoans, 
tunicates, forams, algae, and detritus. Solitary. Benthopelagic. The ovaries are highly toxic and the liver is slightly toxic.
 

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. Released when caught as it is posoinous to eat.  
 

Poisonous to eat.
Photos provided courtesy of Mr Guido Carrara (c) 2021. Photos taken off Anse Possession, Praslin.

Bray, D.J. (2017). Arothron meleagris in Fishes of Australia. https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/849 (24/10/21)
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. Eds. (2021). FishBase. Arothron meleagris (Anonymous, 1798) Guineafowl puffer. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/6401 (24/10/21). 
Shao, K. et al (2014). Arothron meleagris. The IUCN Red List 2014: e.T193662A2255983. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T193662A2255983.en. (24/10/21).
Snow, J. (2021). Guineafowl Puffer, Arothron meleagris. Mexican-fish.com. https://mexican-fish.com/guineafowl-puffer/ (24/10/21).

Nevill, J.E.G. & Carrara, G. (2021). Arothron meleagris, Guineafowl puffer. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/arothron-meleagris-anonymous-1798/