Green pufferfish

The green pufferfish or Ceylon pufferfish (Dichotomyctere fluviatilis, syn. Tetraodon fluviatilis) is a species of pufferfish found in South and Southeast Asia.^[3][4] Its habitat includes rivers, estuaries, lakes and flood plains. It lives in fresh to slightly brackish water.

Green pufferfish
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Tetraodontiformes
Family:	Tetraodontidae
Genus:	Dichotomyctere
Species:	D. fluviatilis
Binomial name
Dichotomyctere fluviatilis (F. Hamilton, 1822)
Synonyms
Tetraodon fluviatilis[2]

Diet

This species is primarily carnivorous, eating mollusks, crustaceans and invertebrates. Occasionally, algae and plant matter as well as fish scales and other ocean detritus is consumed.^[5] In captivity, it will eat some vegetation and commercial fish food. The green pufferfish has a sharp front beak, allowing it to crush shellfish and crabs.^{[citation needed]}

Description

The green pufferfish grows up to a total length (TL) of 17 centimetres (6.7 in),^[3] with a white underbelly and a metallic yellow or green top covered in black spots, bulging eyes which are metallic blue colour, and a very thick and broad forehead. Its body usually has a leathery texture, but green pufferfish grown in captivity tend to have smoother skin. Its flesh contains a virulent toxin, and should not be eaten.