Giant Starry Puffer

Pattaya Aquatic Life

Giant Starry Puffer Pattaya

Learn about Giant Starry Puffer Around Pattaya

The Giant Starry Puffer, also known as Arothron stellatus, is a fascinating species of pufferfish that can be spotted in the waters around Pattaya. Known for their distinctive appearance and unique defense mechanisms, these puffers are a favorite among divers. Their name derives from the star-like patterns that adorn their bodies, making them easily recognizable.

Where to Find Giant Starry Puffer in Pattaya

Barracuda can be found in several popular diving spots around Pattaya, including:

Koh Sak West: This coral island is a prime spot for spotting Giant Starry Puffers.
HTMS Kood: Most of the Shipwrecks in Pattaya have Giant Puffers but the Kood ( AKA The kut wreck) seems to have a few residents always hanging around.
Koh Manwhichai: Part of the Far Islands with a vast underwater topography that is rich in giant Starry Puffers

These sites are ideal for both novice and experienced divers looking to observe these striking fish in their natural habitat.

How to Identify the Giant Starry Puffer

Identifying the Giant Starry Puffer is relatively easy due to its distinct characteristics:

Size: These puffers can grow quite large, reaching up to 1.2 meters (about 4 feet) in length.
Coloration: They have a pale body covered in dark star-like spots, which become denser towards the back and tail.
Body Shape: Giant Starry Puffers have a robust, almost box-like body with a large, blunt head and small fins.
Defensive Mechanism: Like other pufferfish, they can inflate their bodies by ingesting water or air when threatened, making them appear larger and more intimidating to predators.

Giant Starry Puffer Characteristics & Behaviour

The Giant Starry Puffer exhibits several interesting characteristics and behaviors:

Feeding Habits: They primarily feed on a variety of invertebrates such as mollusks, crustaceans, and sea urchins. Their strong beaks are adept at crushing hard shells.
Habitat Preference: These puffers prefer shallow coastal waters, often residing in coral reefs, lagoons, and seagrass beds.
Defensive Behavior: When threatened, they can puff up their bodies significantly. Additionally, their skin and certain internal organs contain tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin that deters predators.

Interesting Facts About Giant Starry Puffer

Toxin: The tetrodotoxin found in Giant Starry Puffers is one of the most potent toxins known, capable of being lethal to predators and humans if consumed.
Lifespan: In the wild, these puffers can live for over 10 years, making them relatively long-lived for fish.
Curiosity: They are known for their curious nature and will often approach divers, making them a popular subject for underwater photographers.

The Giant Starry Puffer is a remarkable species that adds to the rich biodiversity of Pattaya’s underwater world. Their unique appearance, intriguing behaviors, and the thrill of encountering such a distinctive fish make them a highlight for divers exploring the region.