Arothron mappa
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
Year-round
Depth Range
3-40 meters
The map pufferfish is one of the largest and most beautifully patterned pufferfish species found in Komodo National Park, reaching sizes of up to 65 centimetres. Named for the intricate maze-like pattern of lines covering its body that resembles a topographic map, this charismatic fish is a common sight on Komodo's reef walls and slopes. Map pufferfish cruise the reef at a leisurely pace, their large, expressive eyes and perpetually smiling expression giving them an endearingly friendly appearance. Like all pufferfish, they possess several remarkable defence mechanisms: they can inflate their body to several times its normal size by swallowing water, and their internal organs contain tetrodotoxin — one of the most potent toxins in nature — making them deadly to eat. Despite their defences, they are generally calm, curious fish that often approach divers with apparent interest. In Komodo, they feed on a variety of hard-shelled organisms using their fused beak-like teeth, which are powerful enough to crack open sea urchin spines, coral fragments, and mollusc shells.
Average Size
35-50cm
Size Range
15-65cm
Maximum Size
65cm
Feeds on sponges, algae, tunicates, coral tips, sea urchins, and hard-shelled molluscs. Uses fused beak-like teeth to crush hard prey items.
The map pufferfish is one of the largest and most beautifully patterned pufferfish species found in Komodo National Park, reaching sizes of up to 65 centimetres. Named for the intricate maze-like pattern of lines covering its body that resembles a topographic map, this charismatic fish is a common sight on Komodo's reef walls and slopes. Map pufferfish cruise the reef at a leisurely pace, their large, expressive eyes and perpetually smiling expression giving them an endearingly friendly appearance. Like all pufferfish, they possess several remarkable defence mechanisms: they can inflate their body to several times its normal size by swallowing water, and their internal organs contain tetrodotoxin — one of the most potent toxins in nature — making them deadly to eat. Despite their defences, they are generally calm, curious fish that often approach divers with apparent interest. In Komodo, they feed on a variety of hard-shelled organisms using their fused beak-like teeth, which are powerful enough to crack open sea urchin spines, coral fragments, and mollusc shells.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
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Yes — their internal organs contain tetrodotoxin, which is lethal if ingested. However, they pose no danger to divers through normal observation. The toxin is only dangerous if the fish is eaten. Never harass them into inflating as this causes severe stress.
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