Arothron nigropunctatus, also known as the black-spotted pufferfish, is a species of marine fish that belongs to the family Tetraodontidae. They are known for their distinctive black spots on their white bodies and for their ability to inflate themselves when threatened. They have a globose body shape, covered with small spines, they have a large head, with a wide mouth and big eyes. They have four teeth fused together in each jaw, forming a beak-like structure, they use to crush the hard shells of their prey.
Size: Can reach up to 40 cm (16 inches) in length.
Habitat: They are found in coral reefs, lagoons, and rocky shorelines, at depths of up to 30 m (100 feet).
Distribution: Arothron nigropunctatus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, the Philippines, and Australia.
In general, they are generally nocturnal and solitary, spending the day hiding in crevices and caves and coming out to feed at night. They are carnivorous and eat a variety of prey including crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. They are also considered as a delicacy in some cultures but their meat and internal organs contain the highly toxic substance tetrodotoxin and must be prepared by specially trained and licensed chefs who know how to properly clean and prepare the fish to remove the toxic parts. They are considered as a vulnerable species, facing habitat loss and over-collection for the aquarium trade.