From freshwater puffers to saltwater Takifugu, these fish make use of a variety of adaptations to keep themselves safe from predators and humans alike. In addition to the famous “puffing” technique, pufferfish can also attack with their beak-like teeth or poison an enemy with the toxins that they secret.
Although they are well-equipped to survive in the natural world, these fish still suffer under the exotic animal industry. Saltwater puffers are often hunted as a delicacy, and freshwater puffers are sold as pets. A few species of pufferfish have become near threatened as a result of this activity; however, overall, the species is considered to be low-concern.
Fighting instincts: These are aggressive fish that are willing to attack anyone they perceive as a threat. Puffers usually live alone and do not usually share their territory with other fish.
Poison spikes: One of the adaptations that helps the pufferfish survive is the ability to produce a poison known as tetraodotoxin. This toxin is secreted across their body, making puffers dangerous to touch and even more dangerous to consume.
Intimidating posture: These fish might look adorable when they’re puffed up, but the truth is that this trait is an intimidating survival mechanism. Few predators will stick around to eat a fish that has suddenly doubled in visual size.
Romantic disposition: Despite their violent attitude towards humans and other predators, pufferfish are actually quite attached to their mates. The male usually helps the female lay her eggs by guiding her through the water and rubbing her side as she gives birth.
There are at least 200 species of pufferfish in existence, which have been classified into 29 genera. Because these are such hardy and resilient fish, it’s easy for them to adapt freely to any environment.
Dwarf puffers: Dwarf puffers, or Carinotetraodon travancoricus, are tiny freshwater pufferfish that is native to the rivers of Southwest India. These fish are popular in aquariums, resulting in severe overfishing that threatens them in particular. Dwarf pufferfish may also be known as peak puffers or pygmy puffers.