map puffer; Arothron mappa
A species of pufferfish with a distinctive map-like pattern on its body.
The map puffer inhabits tropical seas.
Katakana spelling is standard for this fish name; the kanji form 化粧河豚 is rare.
Kanji spelling is uncommon and may not be recognized by all readers.
The name ケショウフグ (化粧河豚) literally means 'makeup pufferfish', referring to the ornate pattern on its body. The exact origin of the name is uncertain.