Fin's Fish Guide
The Finepatterned puffer (Takifugu poecilonotus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Korea (North), Korea (South)
Description
The finepatterned puffer is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from coastal and estuarine water of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a stocky, scaleless body with a fine pattern of small dark spots. When threatened it gulps water and inflates. As a bottom-oriented predator it crushes molluscs and crustaceans. Its skin and organs contain the potent toxin tetrodotoxin; eating it is life-threatening and only allowed after preparation by specialised chefs.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Finepatterned puffer?
The Finepatterned puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Finepatterned puffer live?
The Finepatterned puffer lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Korea (North), Korea (South)
How big does the Finepatterned puffer get?
The Finepatterned puffer grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Finepatterned puffer dangerous to humans?
The Finepatterned puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat: skin, viscera and gonads contain tetrodotoxin, a potent nerve poison with no antidote. If ingested with symptoms (tingling, muscle weakness, breathing difficulty): call emergency services immediately and support breathing.
Is the Finepatterned puffer edible?
The Finepatterned puffer is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Takifugu
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Finepatterned puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Finepatterned puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.