This is a round bodied puffer with a blunt rounded snout that grows to a maximum length of 15cm. It is densely covered with small spines, which gives the skin a sand-paper texture. It has large eyes on the upper head above the small mouth and it has small gill openings immediately in front of the pectoral fins. It is grey brown to black with large dark spots and white on the belly. If threatened they can be inflate the body to a spherical shape.

Sporadically present throughout NZ, in sheltered sandy bays and harbours.

They feed on a variety of small custaceans, molluscs and echinoderms.

Poisonous and should not be eaten! A related species provides the traditional but dangerous seafood delicacy 'Fugu' in Japan.

Collins Guide to the Sea fishes of NZ: Ayling & Cox