TETRAODONTIDAE


Arothron mappa, 4.9 cm SL
(photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin)


Arothron mappa
(Lesson 1831)
Map Puffer

D 11-12; A 10-11 (usually 11); P1 17- 19.

Head and body covered with small spinules except for snout and posterior part of caudal peduncle. Nasal organ with 2 bifid fleshy flaps. Color: body light gray with reticulation of narrow, irregular black lines; a large irregular black blotch around gill opening and pectoral-fin base; ventral third of body white with reticulation of faint black lines and a large irregular black blotch; many narrow black lines radiation from eye. Size: maximum 60 cm. Distribution: widely distributed in tropical Indo-West Pacific from East Africa eastward to Samoa, north to southern Japan. Remarks: similar to Arothron caeruleopunctatus but distinguished it by having many narrow black lines radiating from eye.