Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Scientific name Arothron diadematus Higher classification Arothron | |
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Similar Pufferfish, Arothron, Arothron stellatus, Blackspotted puffer, White‑spotted puffer | ||
Masked puffer fish photographed by sj4000
Masked pufferfish
Distribution
Red Sea only.
Description
Maximum length 30 cm, olive-green/grey with a black mask over the eyes and pectoral fins, mouth has a black border. Usually solitary but schools during mating period. Some authors believe this to be a variation of the species Arothron nigropunctatus.
Habitat
Associated with coral reefs, from surface to 20m depth. The masked puffer will land in a low grotto and produce a very viscous sperm out of its lower anal cavity. It uses own sperm as a base habitat; over the course of the next week the masked puffer will borrow and create a home with the genital sperm. The sperm produces a very effective disguise and mask of scent, reducing its predators. When the sperm starts to become a mold the masked puffer will migrate to a different grotto and repeat the cycle.
