1. Head:
- The head is large and round, giving the pufferfish its characteristic appearance.
- It houses the fish's eyes, which protrude slightly, offering a good field of vision.
- The mouth is small, located at the front of the head, and contains several rows of fused teeth for crushing prey.
2. Body:
- The body is typically oval or round in shape.
- The skin is thin and elastic, allowing the fish to expand and deflate its body.
- Some pufferfish species have small, sharp spines covering their skin, providing additional defense against predators.
3. Fins:
- Pufferfish have five fins: two dorsal fins, two pectoral fins, and one anal fin.
- The dorsal fins are located near the back of the body and help with stability and maneuvering.
- The pectoral fins are located on either side of the body, just behind the head, and primarily aid in steering.
- The anal fin is located near the tail and contributes to the fish's overall stability and swimming efficiency.
4. Inflatable Sac:
- One of the most distinguishing features of pufferfish is their ability to inflate their bodies.
- This is accomplished by swallowing large amounts of water or air, which are stored in an elastic stomach sac.
- When inflated, the pufferfish's body becomes almost spherical, acting as a deterrent to potential predators.
- The inflated state also makes the fish difficult to swallow for predators, as it increases in size and becomes less palatable.
5. Tail:
- The tail of a pufferfish is typically fan-shaped and assists in providing thrust and maneuvering while swimming.
- It plays a crucial role in navigating the water and changing directions.
6. Internal Organs:
- Inside the body, pufferfish have various internal organs, including a digestive system, respiratory system, reproductive organs, and a swim bladder.
- The swim bladder helps regulate the fish's buoyancy, allowing it to stay at specific depths in the water column.