Tetraodontiformes

Tetraodontiformes is an order of primarily marine and estuarine fish of the superorder Acanthopterygii. The order includes many familiar species, which are variously called pufferfish, balloonfish, blowfish, bubblefish, globefish, swellfish, toadfish, and toadies. They are morphologically similar to the closely related porcupinefish, which have large external spines (unlike the thinner, hidden spines of Tetraodontidae, which are only visible when the fish has puffed up). The scientific name refers to the four large teeth, fused into an upper and lower plate, which are used for crushing the shells of crustaceans and mollusks, their natural prey.

Characteristics

Tetraodontiformes are small to medium-sized fish, ranging from 2 to 100 cm in length. They are most diverse in the tropics, relatively uncommon in the temperate zone, and completely absent from cold waters. They are typically benthic animals, living on the seafloor, with many species found in deep water, as they lack a swim bladder.

Taxonomy

The 10 families in the Tetraodontiformes are traditionally divided into two suborders, although the exact relationship between these groups is unclear.

• Suborder Tetraodontoidei
  • Family Tetraodontidae (pufferfish)
  • Family Diodontidae (porcupinefish)
• Suborder Balistoidei
  • Family Balistidae (triggerfish)
  • Family Monacanthidae (filefish)
  • Family Ostraciidae (boxfish)

Venom

Many species of Tetraodontiformes are venomous. The majority of pufferfish species are toxic and some are among the most poisonous vertebrates in the world. In certain species, the internal organs, such as liver, and sometimes the skin, contain tetrodotoxin, and are highly toxic to most animals when eaten.

In culture

Despite the risk, pufferfish meat is considered a delicacy in Japan, known as fugu. It must be prepared by specially trained chefs, who know how to remove the toxic parts, to ensure safe consumption.

A variety of Tetraodontiformes

See also

• List of fish families
• Fish anatomy
• Fish as food