Star puffer (Arothron stellatus) after lunch

   The background coloration goes from white to grey, and the body is harmoniously dotted with black spots. The ventral area is usually clearer. The skin of the fish is scaleless and covered with small needles. Pufferfish (which includes Star puffer) lack ribs and powerful abdominal muscles. This adaptation allows their bodies to stretch greatly when swallowing water or air. Because of the lack of a bony framework in this area, the outline of the stomach and its contents (undigested food particles) are easily visible through the skin. Star puffers feed on mollusks, crabs, sea urchins, and even corals. They often swallow large chunks of their prey, including shells and shells. These hard parts can appear as distinct lumps and bumps on the abdomen until they are fully digested.