Fin's Fish Guide
The Yellowfin puffer (Takifugu xanthopterus) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
The yellowfin puffer is a pufferfish from the northwest Pacific, off Japan, Korea and China. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a light-blue to greyish body with dark wavy lines and yellow fins; when threatened it can inflate into a ball. Like other pufferfishes its organs contain the very powerful toxin tetrodotoxin; eaten when wrongly prepared it can be deadly. It is carefully prepared as fugu. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Yellowfin puffer?
The Yellowfin puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a flame-patterned pattern. Can inflate itself; the organs contain deadly tetrodotoxin
Where does the Yellowfin puffer live?
The Yellowfin puffer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northwest Pacific
How big does the Yellowfin puffer get?
The Yellowfin puffer grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.
Is the Yellowfin puffer dangerous to humans?
The Yellowfin puffer 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 Yellowfin puffer edible?
Yes, the Yellowfin puffer is a highly prized food fish.
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 Yellowfin puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Yellowfin puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.