Saw this at my LFS. Not interested in buying it, just want to help them ID it because they aren't 100% sure but they think it's a mappa.
Whatever it is, it is VERY nice... It's about 12-15" now.
So is it really a Mappa puffer, or something else?
Could it be Arothron stellatus or Arothron meleagris if it isn't Arothron mappa?
Re: Is this a mappa puffer?
Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 1:32 am
by Corvus
A. stellatus I fear
Re: Is this a mappa puffer?
Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 1:56 am
by Pufferpunk
Largest puffer on Earth!
Re: Is this a mappa puffer?
Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 3:56 am
by emartin
Before I give them the bad news, how sure are you two? Would it help if I got high resolution photos of the puffer to make a 100% positive ID or are you already sure that is what it is?
Re: Is this a mappa puffer?
Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 6:10 am
by Corvus
It lacks all color characteristics of a A. mappa (star like pattern around the eyes, labyrinth pattern on the body) and has all what is needed at the adult stage of A. stellatus (black spots on a white to grey background).
Re: Is this a mappa puffer?
Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 10:50 am
by emartin
Corvus wrote:It lacks all color characteristics of a A. mappa (star like pattern around the eyes, labyrinth pattern on the body) and has all what is needed at the adult stage of A. stellatus (black spots on a white to grey background).
Thanks! Exactly the kind of answer I was looking for (ie, what specifically makes it one species and not the other).