Pufferfish

A pufferfish or puffers is a bit like an underwater balloon. When in danger the pufferfish swells up to many times its usual size. The pufferfish fool its predator into thinking it is a fish that is much too big to eat.

Pufferfish have large eyes so they can see well. They also have sharp, powerful teeth and this part of the body is often referred to as beak.

Most pufferfish swim in warm ocean waters. Many live near coral reefs. There are more than 120 different kinds of pufferfish.

 Some pufferfish are very small. Others are longer than human arm. The smallest is just 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. The biggest pufferfish are more than 3 feet (1 m) long. Some pufferfish have stripes or spots on their skin. Some are very colorful.

While pufferfish are almost never targeted, they are frequently captures by young or very inexperienced anglers, some of whom want to keep them.

All pufferfish species are highly toxic and should never be consumed, no matter how well they are cleaned. All pufferfish species are highly toxic and should never be consumed, no matter how well they are cleaned.
Pufferfish