Description:

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

The largest of the pufferfish with body covered in prickles. A large whitish to pale grey pufferfish with small black spots on body and often the fins. The spots become 
smaller and more numerous as the fish grows. Dark blotches at base of pectoral and dorsal fins. Juveniles are orange with small black spots and dark stripes on the belly 
that disaggregate into spots as they grow.

Maturity: Unknown. Max length : 120 cm TL. Commonly to 54.0 cm TL. 

Adults inhabit clear lagoons and seaward reefs (depth 3-58m). Juveniles occur inshore in sandy and weedy inner reefs, as well as over muddy substrates and in estuaries.
Feeds on sea urchins, sponges, crabs, coral and algae. It is also known to feed on the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthagaster planci). Inflate their abdomens with water 
when frightened erectiing their surface prickles. 

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is not retained in the catch as it is poisonous to eat.  

Extremely poisonous, and tetrodotoxin may occur in the muscle, intestine, liver, gonads and skin. 
Photos (c) 2021 and courtesy of Dr Olaf Jakobsen.

Bray, D.J. (2019). Arothron stellatus in Fishes of Australia. https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/852 (05/11/21). 
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. Eds. (2021). FishBase. Arothron stellatus (Anonymous, 1798), Stellate puffer. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Arothron-stellatus.html (05/11/21). 
McGrouther, M. (2019). Starry Pufferfish, Arothron stellatus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801). Australian Museum. https://australian.museum/learn/animals/fishes/starry-pufferfish-arothron-stellatus-bloch-schneider-1801/ (05/11/21).   
Shao, K. et al (2014). Arothron stellatus. The IUCN Red List 2014: e.T193712A2264205. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T193712A2264205.en. (05/11/21).
 

Nevill, J.E.G. & Jakobsen, O. (2021). Arothron stellatus, Stellate puffer. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/arothron-stellatus-anonymous-1798/