There are over 120 species of pufferfish found worldwide. Among them, the largest is the Giant Starry Puffer (Arothron stellatus), also known as the Stellate Pufferfish. This impressive species can be spotted in the waters around Koh Tao. Renowned for its distinctive appearance, inquisitive nature, and unique defense mechanisms, the Giant Starry Puffer is a favorite among divers.
Distinguishing Features
The Giant Starry Puffer is easily recognizable due to the star-like patterns on its body. Its shape is a mix of oval, spherical, and somewhat elongated, giving it a unique appearance. Unlike many fish, its skin is prickly rather than scaled. It lacks pelvic fins and a lateral line. The dorsal and anal fins are small, symmetrical, and positioned towards the rear of the body. The head is large with a short snout that features two pairs of nostrils, and the mouth has four strong teeth.
Its body coloration ranges from white to grey, with a usually clearer ventral area. It is covered in black spots that are more pronounced in smaller fish. As the puffer grows, these spots become smaller. Juvenile Giant Starry Puffers start with a yellowish body and dark stripes. As they mature, they keep some stripes on their underside and a hint of yellow, which gradually changes to a spotted pattern.
Giant Starry Puffer Behavior
- This pufferfish is diurnal. It is mainly solitary and defends a territory.
- This puffer mainly eats invertebrates like mollusks, crustaceans, coral polyps, sponges, and algae. It has a strong beak and sharp teeth, which are great for breaking open the hard shells of its food and reaching the soft parts inside.
- Giant Starry Puffers are found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. They prefer to live near coral reefs and sheltered lagoons, often close to sandy areas.
- In the wild, Giant Starry Puffers can live for over 10 years.
- Giant Starry Puffers are known for their curious and inquisitive nature. They often approach divers and are fascinated by human activity in their underwater habitat.
Defensive Behavior
The Giant Starry Puffer has several unique ways to protect itself from predators. When threatened, it inflates its body significantly by gulping water, making it much larger and more intimidating. This puffing-up action makes it harder for predators to swallow or attack.
Additionally, the Giant Starry Puffer contains tetrodotoxin, a powerful neurotoxin found in its skin and some internal organs. Tetrodotoxin is highly toxic and can cause serious harm or even death to predators and humans if ingested. This potent toxin acts as a strong deterrent, helping to keep the pufferfish safe from potential threats.
Feeding and diet
Giant Starry Puffers are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming a variety of invertebrates such as mollusks, crustaceans, and sea urchins. Their strong, beak-like jaws are perfectly adapted for crushing hard shells and accessing their prey. They use their keen sense of smell and sight to locate food.
Breeding
Giant Starry Puffers typically breed during warmer months when water conditions are favorable, and in tropical locations like Koh Tao, they may spawn year-round. During courtship, males engage in colorful displays and specific swimming patterns to attract females. Once mating occurs, the female releases eggs into the water, where they are fertilized externally by the male's sperm. These eggs develop into larvae that drift in the ocean for several weeks before settling on a suitable habitat. As the larvae mature, they transform into juvenile puffers and begin building their protective tubes. Giant Starry Puffers do not provide parental care, so the young must fend for themselves from the moment they hatch.
Where to Find the Giant Starry Puffer on Koh Tao
The Giant Starry Puffer typically resides on coral reefs, swim-throughs, and nearby sandy areas. You can spot this puffer at several dive sites around Koh Tao, including:
Green Rock
Laem Thian
Twin Peaks
