Description Puffer Fish

Puffer Fish The site that provides beautiful photographs and pictures of numerous Pufferfish species together with interesting facts and information about each type of fish. Interesting Information about Puffer Fish Pufferfish when threatened can inflate their body by swallowing water to increase their apparent size to deter predators. In addition some puffers produce an extremely poisonous toxin called anhydrotetrodotoxin 4-epitetrodotoxin and is over a 1,000 times more poisonous than potassium cyanide, this toxin is found in the skin, liver, and gonads. Some puffers are considered a  delicacy, this is especially true in Japan, if not prepared properly, eating them can cause serious illness, or even death, this explains the precaution of a  doctors presence in Japanese restaurants serving their customers Pufferfish, this is a result of strict government regulation and licensing. Facts about Fish Species - How do you identify the sex of a Puffer Fish?   The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist! Facts about Fish Species - Why are Puffer Fish slimy? Puffer Fish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Puffer Fish to move through the water faster. Some Pufferfish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off predatory attacks, the toxin is produced by the bacteria Pseudomonas which the fish obtains from the food it eats. Facts about Fish Species - Why do Puffer Fish have gills? Gills enable the Puffer Fish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air. Facts about Fish Species - Why do the Puffer Fish have fins? A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function: Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Puffer Fish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.   Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Puffer Fish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.   Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Puffer Fish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.   Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Puffer Fish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement