Fin's Fish Guide
The Japanese pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 80 cm.
Description
The Japanese pufferfish, known in Japan as torafugu, is a large pufferfish from the northwest Pacific. The species grows to about 80 cm and has a streamlined body with dark spots on a pale back; when threatened it can inflate into a ball with water. Its organs, especially the liver and ovaries, contain the very powerful toxin tetrodotoxin. It is the famous fugu delicacy, which may only be prepared safely by specially trained chefs; eaten when wrongly prepared it is deadly. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Japanese pufferfish?
The Japanese pufferfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Can inflate itself into a ball; the organs contain deadly tetrodotoxin (fugu)
Where does the Japanese pufferfish live?
The Japanese pufferfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northwest Pacific
How big does the Japanese pufferfish get?
The Japanese pufferfish grows to a maximum of about 80 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Japanese pufferfish dangerous to humans?
The Japanese pufferfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Eat this fish only if prepared by a licensed fugu chef: the liver, ovaries and other organs contain the deadly toxin tetrodotoxin, for which there is no antidote. If poisoning symptoms occur (tingling, paralysis): call emergency services immediately.
Is the Japanese pufferfish edible?
Yes, the Japanese pufferfish is a highly prized food fish.
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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 Japanese pufferfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Japanese pufferfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.