Checkered Puffer
Sphoeroides testudineus
A small pufferfish with distinctive checkered or reticulated patterns on its body that can inflate when threatened. Found in shallow coastal waters and often considered a baitfish thief by anglers.
Checkered Puffer at a glance
- Scientific name
- Sphoeroides testudineus
- Typical size
- 4-8 inches, under 1 lb
- Water
- Saltwater
- Habitat
- Inshore
- Rarity in the Fishdex™
- Common
Habitat
Inhabits shallow grass beds, mangroves, and sandy bottoms in coastal waters. Often encountered by anglers as an incidental catch while fishing for other species, typically stealing bait rather than being targeted.
Catch one and it is yours
Log a checkered puffer through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your photo, your personal best, and the exact conditions on the day. The app also carries the slot and season rules for wherever you are standing.
How the Fishdex™ worksCheckered Puffer questions people ask
Checkered Puffer is Sphoeroides testudineus.
A typical checkered puffer runs 4-8 inches, under 1 lb. Cobia records the length and weight of every checkered puffer you log and keeps your personal best on its Fishdex entry.
Inhabits shallow grass beds, mangroves, and sandy bottoms in coastal waters. Often encountered by anglers as an incidental catch while fishing for other species, typically stealing bait rather than being targeted. It is a salt water species, filed under inshore in the Fishdex.
Yes. Log one through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your own photo, your personal best, and the conditions on the day you caught it. The app also carries the slot limits and season dates for wherever you are standing. It is free.
Tomorrow morning starts tonight
Set your home water, pick a drive radius, and wake up to a plan.
Android coming soon
iPhone, iOS 17 or later. Setup takes about a minute.