Lagocephalus laevigatus, known as the smooth puffer, is a species of pufferfish in the family Tetraodontidae. It is native to the Western Atlantic, where it ranges from New England to Argentina, as well as the Eastern Atlantic, where it ranges from Mauritania to Namibia. Adults of the species are pelagic and found near continental margins, whereas juveniles are usually found closer to shore or offshore banks, with both occurring either alone or in small, loose groups. It occurs at a depth range of 10 to 180 m (33 to 591 ft) over sandy or muddy bottoms and is a very large pufferfish, reaching 100 cm (39.4 inches) in total length.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
Poisonous. The note covers its whole family. Pufferfish; tetrodotoxin in liver, ovaries and skin Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Lagocephalus lunaris — poisonous
- Lagocephalus lagocephalus — poisonous
- Lagocephalus sceleratus — poisonous
- Sphoeroides psittacus — considered poisonous
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Tetraodontiformes
- Family
- Tetraodontidae
- Genus
- Lagocephalus
- Species
- Lagocephalus laevigatus
Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.
Check your photo