About Blowfish

Blowfish, which are also referred to as pufferfish, box fish and balloon fish, are fish of the family Tetraodontidae and have the ability to inflate their bodies when they feel threatened. Blowfish are sometimes eaten in sushi.

  1. Blowfish

    • Blowfish live primarily in tropical areas of the oceans. There are many species of blowfish, most of which exhibit stripes, spots or other coloration in addition to their protective spines.

    Inflation

    • When faced by a predator or other threat, a blowfish rapidly pulls water into its stomach. This inflates the blowfish, giving it is name. An inflated blowfish can puff up to three times its original size.

    Blowfish Diet

    • Blowfish eat mostly algae and small invertebrate sea creatures. Some larger species of blowfish are able to crack open the shells of invertebrates, such as mussels, to eat the meat inside.

    Poison

    • Even though blowfish defend themselves by inflating their bodies with water, they also have another defense; the body of a blowfish produces a powerful neurotoxin that is poisonous to many animals and tastes bad, too. An animal that bites a blowfish may not survive.

    Delicacy

    • In Japan, blowfish are considered a delicacy; they are used in a dish called "fugu" that requires a chef to undergo special training. Fugu is an expensive and slightly dangerous dish, and every year several people die after eating poorly prepared fugu.