Saddled Puffer

Females different in colour to that of the males. Both easily recognised by the four black bars (saddle like hence the name) that run along the body. The first bar runs along the top of the head just behind the eyes, the second inline with the pectoral fin, curving around it. The fourth runs horizontally along the caudal peduncle to the end of the caudal fin. Females yellow up top and white below with a yellow caudal fin and numerous brown to dark grey spots on the side of the body and numerous small lines around the head. The male has bright green lines behind the eyes which distinguish it from the female. Males territorial and often seen fighting. Usually found on coastal reefs at a depth.

Size: 10cm in length (Maximum)

Diet: algae, tunicates, and on smaller amounts of corals, bryozoans, polychaetes, echinoderms, molluscs, coralline algae