Starry Blowfish

The largest pufferfish in UAE waters, identifiable by its white-spotted skin on a dark background. Highly toxic — its internal organs contain tetrodotoxin. Should never be consumed. Commonly spotted by divers on Fujairah reefs.

Species Stats

Diet

Hard corals, sponges, molluscs, crustaceans

Habitat

Coral reefs, rocky areas, lagoons

Local Name (Arabic)

أبو قبرة

Fun Facts

• 1

  Contains tetrodotoxin — a poison 1,200 times more potent than cyanide. There is no antidote.

• 2

  Can inflate its body to twice its normal size by swallowing water when threatened.

• 3

  Despite its toxicity, it has few natural predators — mainly large sharks and sea snakes.

Found In