Puffer Fish Meredith Snyder

Common Name: Puffer Fish Scientific Name: Tetraodontiformes Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Size: Medium-sized (7in-24in) Habitat: Warmer, costal waters Distribution: Tropical waters worldwide Evolved: 390 million years ago

Feeding Habits They are omnivorous animals. Mainly feed on algae that grows on rocks and coral. Larger puffer fish will eat shellfish such as shrimp, crabs, and mollusks.

Breeding Habits Male puffer fish guides the female puffer fish towards the shore where she releases between 3 to 7 eggs. The eggs are extremely light and float on the surface of the water until they hatch in about a weeks time.

Species: 120 known Statistics: Puffer fish contain a poison called Tetrodotoxin. It is up to 1200 times more lethal than cyanide. Uses by humans: There are some species of puffer fish whose meat is eaten in Japan and Korea as a local delicacy. Special chefs are trained to cut the fish so that the fish does not poison the consumer. Other species of puffer fish produce and release a toxin into their organs when they die to harm the thing that ate them. Interesting facts: It is the second most poisonous creature second to the Golden Poison Frog. Lives from 4 to 8 years.

Puffer Fish Quiz  1. What is the average size of a puffer fish? A.13in-36in B. 7in-24in C. 18in-40in D. 2in-4in 2. What type of feeders are puffer fish?  A. Decomposers B. Carnivorous C. Scavengers D. Omnivorous 3. Puffer Fish are not poisonous fish? True/False 4. Where is it a delicacy to eat puffer fish?_______________ and _______________ 5. How long does the puffer fish live?   ______ years - ______ years