Image 4-20
Striped Puffer

This image of a striped puffer (Arothron manilensis) was taken by NOAA photographer David Burdick. Known also as a narrow-lined pufferfish, it is found in tropical waters of the central Indo-Pacific Ocean. It lives in estuaries and reef lagoons up to a depth of 65 feet (20 meters). It is common in seagrass beds and sandy areas. Juveniles grow among the protective roots of mangroves. Like all puffers, it has the ability to blow up like a balloon by taking on water. This surprises and confuses predators. This species grows to about 12 inches (31 centimeters) in length.