Fin's Fish Guide
The Panther puffer (Takifugu pardalis) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The Panther puffer is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a stocky, scaleless body with a brown marbled and spotted pattern; when threatened it inflates with water into a ball. With a strong beak-like jaw it crushes molluscs, crustaceans and algae. Its organs contain deadly tetrodotoxin; the fish must not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Panther puffer?
The Panther 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 Panther puffer live?
The Panther puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, Japan, Korea (North), Korea (South)
How big does the Panther puffer get?
The Panther puffer grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Panther puffer dangerous to humans?
The Panther puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. This fish contains tetrodotoxin, a powerful nerve poison with no antidote; do not eat it. After ingestion tingling, numbness, muscle weakness and breathing problems can develop within an hour. Call emergency services at once; prompt medical monitoring and breathing support are life-saving.
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 Panther puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Panther puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.