Spotted pufferfish

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The Spotted Puffer can be found in the coral-rich areas of the outer slope, but can sometimes venture into the lagoon. He often has a globular body of dark color spotted with white. A uniform yellow variant also exists, more rare, but observed in the Tetiaroa lagoon. The balloon fish have the particularity of being free of scales but have a very flexible body, they can inflate with water to intimidate their predators. Their jaws have 4 teeth that they use to consume algae and small invertebrates. Adults can measure up to 19 inches. The family tetraodontidae is known for the powerful poison (tetrodotoxin) they produce, fatal to humans if ingested contaminated flesh.