pufferfish resting on gorgonian coral [126k]

This five-inch long Black-spotted pufferfish seems content to observe me from its comfortable, safe perch among the feathery, partially-emerged tentacles of a branched gorgonian coral. This casual, seemingly lazy behavior appears to be common among puffers. Its thick, fleshy caudal fin is wrapped to the side, another common mannerism which perhaps serves to help prop the fish upright.

Identification: Arothron nigropunctatus

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