Pufferfish (and relatives) are Way Cool because…

 

They have one of the most curious defense systems of the animal kingdom!

The pufferfish has a smile unlike any other fish! But watch out- when it feels threatened, the pufferfish fills its highly elastic stomach with water and inflates like a rubber ball. The spherical shape can get it up to three times its normal size, which is very effective to intimidate and drive away the enemy. In addition, the pufferfish is considered the second most poisonous vertebrate on Earth, and yet, its flesh is considered a delicacy in certain parts of the world. The Tetrodotoxin is a neurotoxin 1,200 times more deadly than cyanide, and just two milligrams is enough to kill a person.

Here’s a lesser known fact: Pufferfish are very curious and intelligent.

They can be taught tricks, learn to memorize different shapes and patterns, and recognize their owners. Many pufferfish caretakers have remarked how much they resemble small water puppies! They have also made great contributions to science being the first fish to have their whole genome sequenced. Their relatives include the great Mola mola, the spiny porcupinefish, and the interestingly shaped boxfish. Learning how pufferfish and relatives are “way cool” helps understand the diversity of these amazing animals, and how to help protect them.

Amy Liu is a self-proclaimed pufferfish (family Tetraodontiformes) enthusiast, and a masters student studying fishes and genetics at The University of British Columbia. She has worked with various organizations in science outreach such as the Vancouver Aquarium, Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, and Parks Canada.