Feroxodon multistriatus

Feroxodon multistriatus, known as the manystriped blowfish, manystriped pufferfish,[1] scribbled toadfish,[2] or ferocious pufferfish,[3] is a species in the pufferfish family, Tetraodontidae, distributed in the Indo-West Pacific. It is the only member of the monotypic genus Feroxodon.

Feroxodon multistriatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Actinopterygii
Order:
Tetraodontiformes
Family:
Tetraodontidae
Genus:
Feroxodon

J. X. Su, Hardy & J. C. Tyler, 1986
Species:
F. multistriatus
Binomial name
Feroxodon multistriatus
Synonyms
  • Anchisomus multistriatus

The fish has sloping, thin, brown and white lines on the head and body curving toward the tail. The lower head, body and caudal peduncle are spotted. The maximum size is reported as 39 cm[1] to 90 cm (3 feet).[3]

The fish occurs throughout the Indo-Western Pacific, including New Guinea, and is recorded from Western Australia south to New South Wales.

In spite of its small size, this fish is known to make unprovoked attacks on humans, the inspiration for the common name ferocious pufferfish.[3] One such attack near Thursday Island, Queensland, Australia, caused severe damage to the toes of a five-year-old boy.[4]

This fish "inhabits shallow inshore waters and offshore soft bottoms. Feeds on fish and invertebrates. Highly toxic and is responsible for amputation of swimmers toes."[1]

References
  1. Froese, R., and D. Pauly, eds. (2012). Feroxodon multistriatus. FishBase. April 2012 version.
  2. Feroxodon multistriatus (Richardson 1854). Fishwise.
  3. Ferocious Pufferfish Feroxodon multistriatus (Richardson, 1854). Australian Museum.
  4. Michael, P. Ferocious pufferfish nearly took Tom's toes while he was wading on Thursday Island. Perth Now. April 06, 2012.
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