Fin's Fish Guide
The Pear puffer (Takifugu vermicularis) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The pear puffer is a pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from coastal and estuarine water of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a pear-shaped, scaleless body with a fine, worm-like pattern on the back. When threatened it inflates into a ball. As a bottom-oriented predator it crushes molluscs and crustaceans with strong jaws. Its skin and organs contain tetrodotoxin; eating it is life-threatening and only allowed after preparation by specialised chefs.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pear puffer?
The Pear puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Pear puffer live?
The Pear puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Korea (South)
How big does the Pear puffer get?
The Pear puffer grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Pear puffer dangerous to humans?
The Pear 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 Pear puffer edible?
The Pear 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 Pear puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pear puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.