Threetooth puffer

Triodon macropterus, also known as the threetooth puffer, is a tetraodontiform fish, the only living species in the genus Triodon and family Triodontidae.[1] Other members of the family are known from fossils stretching back to the Eocene.[2]

Threetooth puffer Temporal range: Eocene–Recent PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N
Triodon macropterus, with extended belly flap
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Tetraodontiformes
Family:	Triodontidae Bleeker, 1865-69
Genus:	Triodon G. Cuvier, 1829
Species:	T. macropterus
Binomial name
Triodon macropterus Lesson, 1831

It is native to the Indo-Pacific, where it is found at depths to 300 m (980 ft).[3] Its name comes from the Ancient Greek τρι- (tri-, meaning 'three') and ὀδούς (or ὀδών, odoús, odṓn, meaning 'tooth'), and refers to the three fused teeth making up a beak-like structure.

The threetooth puffer reaches a maximum length of 54 cm (21 in).[3] It has a distinctive shape, with a huge belly flap as large as or larger than its body; it inflates this with seawater when threatened. The flap bears an eye-spot, and is inflated by rotating the shaft-like pelvis downwards. This makes the animal appear much larger to predators, and less likely to be eaten.[2]

The threetooth puffer is also known as the black-spot keeled pufferfish, and was first scientifically described by Lesson in 1831.[4]

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  Freshly caught specimen, belly flap half extended
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  Eye
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  Eye-looking lateral black spot
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  Teeth
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  Museum specimen
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  Drawing by Cuvier