White-Spotted Pufferfish

About

The white-spotted pufferfish, scientifically known as Torquigener albomaculosus, is renowned for its intricate underwater patterns created during its mating ritual. Males construct large geometric circles on the seafloor, often decorated with shells and coral, to attract females. This complex courtship display involves the male flapping his fins to build ridges and sculpt a maze pattern, showcasing his construction skills to potential mates. The white-spotted pufferfish is a small species, typically around 10 cm in length, with a brownish-yellow body and white spots. They are found in the Ryukyu Islands and are known for their unique mating behaviors. After mating, males guard the eggs until they hatch, then abandon the nest. This species is distinct from Arothron hispidus, another white-spotted pufferfish, which is larger and has a different habitat and behavior. Arothron hispidus is primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region and is known for its omnivorous diet and ability to inflate its body for defense.