Pufferfish

A pufferfish, also known as a blowfish, is a marine fish in the family Tetraodontidae. It is known for its unique ability to inflate its elastic stomach with water or air, transforming into a spiny ball to deter predators.

Pufferfish have a compact, rounded body with no scales. Their skin is tough and often covered in spines. Their most distinctive feature is their beak-like mouth, which is formed by four fused teeth. They use this strong beak to crush the shells of their prey.

When a pufferfish feels threatened, it rapidly gulps a large amount of water or air into its elastic stomach, inflating itself into a spiky sphere. This makes it difficult for a predator to swallow and also causes the fish to become buoyant and drift on the surface of the water.

Many species of pufferfish contain a powerful neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin in their internal organs, especially the liver and ovaries. This toxin is far more potent than cyanide and can be lethal to humans if the fish is not prepared correctly. In Japan, the pufferfish, known as fugu, is a delicacy, but it must be prepared by a specially licensed chef.