Are pufferfish poisonous?

Many pufferfish species contain tetrodotoxin in internal organs and sometimes skin; the majority of species are considered toxic.

How do pufferfish differ from porcupinefish?

Porcupinefish have large external spines, whereas pufferfish in Tetraodontidae have thinner, hidden spines that appear when they inflate.

Why are some pufferfish eaten in Japan and elsewhere?

In some cultures certain pufferfish are prepared as delicacies by specially trained chefs who know which parts and amounts are safe; other species with nontoxic flesh are eaten in other regions.

What is notable about Torquigener albomaculosus?

Males create complex geometric sand nests to woo females.

What does the family name Tetraodontidae mean?

It comes from Greek roots meaning "four" and "tooth", referring to the four teeth of the type genus Tetraodon.

Do all pufferfish live in the sea?

No; the family includes both marine and freshwater species.

Are pufferfish guaranteed to inflate when approached?

Inflation is a defensive behavior but not all individuals or species will inflate in every encounter.

Are pufferfish safe to handle or eat raw?

Handling or consuming parts containing tetrodotoxin is dangerous; only specially trained professionals should prepare pufferfish for consumption.

Where to See Pufferfish While Diving

Tetraodontidae is a family of marine and freshwater fishes in the order Tetraodontiformes. Members are commonly called pufferfishes and by many other common names. They are morphologically similar to porcupinefish; porcupinefish have large external spines, while Tetraodontidae species have thinner, hidden spines that become visible only when the fish inflate. The family name refers to the four teeth of the genus Tetraodon. The majority of pufferfish species are toxic — some contain the potent neurotoxin tetrodotoxin in internal organs and sometimes skin. Despite this, certain species' meat is consumed as a delicacy in parts of East Asia when prepared by trained chefs who know which parts and quantities are safe. Some species have nontoxic flesh and are eaten elsewhere. One species, Torquigener albomaculosus, is noted for males that build complex geometric sand nests to attract females.

The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Nusa Penida, Coral Coast, Viti Levu, Phuket and countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Egypt for divers building trips around pufferfish.