Fin's Fish Guide
The Grass puffer (Takifugu niphobles) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Northwest Pacific: Japan, South Korea and Vietnam, in coastal waters and intertidal zones.
Description
The grass puffer is a small pufferfish of the north-western Pacific. It grows to about 16 cm and has a stocky body with a green-brown back dotted with small pale spots and a white belly; instead of separate teeth it has a beak of fused teeth. The species lives demersally in coastal waters and tidal zones. It eats crustaceans, molluscs, worms and algae. It is known for mass spawning: at spring tide adults swim ashore in large numbers to spawn in the sand. The flesh contains tetrodotoxin and is poisonous; the species can inflate itself in defence.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Grass puffer?
The Grass puffer has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern. Can inflate itself; contains the poison tetrodotoxin; spawns en masse on sandy beaches at spring tide.
Where does the Grass puffer live?
The Grass puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northwest Pacific: Japan, South Korea and Vietnam, in coastal waters and intertidal zones.
How big does the Grass puffer get?
The Grass puffer grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Grass puffer dangerous to humans?
The Grass puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat: the flesh contains tetrodotoxin. In case of poisoning (tingling, paralysis, breathing difficulty) call emergency services immediately and keep the person calm and still until help arrives.
Is the Grass puffer edible?
The Grass puffer is not usually eaten.
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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 Grass puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Grass puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.