Arothron nigropunctatus (Bloch & Schneider 1801) —Black-spotted puffer (Fig. 176)

Status at New Ireland. First recorded from New Ireland by De Vis (1884: 457); previously misidentified from New Ireland as Tetrodon immaculatus (non Bloch & Schneider 1801) by Peters (1877: 853). Specimens photographed in Kavieng region on 2–4 June 2013 during ACIAR Aquarium Survey; a specimen photographed at Lissenung Island by Dietmar Amon on 10 June 2009; another photographed by Serge Andréfouët off the southern tip of Bauddisson Island, Kavieng District, St. KVG15, on 17 Aug. 2014; a video of a specimen taken off Nubilus Island, off southeastern New Hanover, at 3–32 m depth, St. KR 88, in 2014 (identified by Barry C. Russell).

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 1, 2.—General distribution: Red Sea, East and South Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Line and Tuamotu islands, north to Ryukyu and Ogasawara islands, south to New South Wales (Australia) and New Caledonia. Found on coastal to seaward reef crest and slope habitats with rich invertebrate growth, 3–25 m depth. Marine.