Takifugu vermicularis

(Temminck & Schlegel, 1850)

Vernacular names
English : Purple puffer
French : Fugu pourpre

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Tetraodontiformes
Family : Tetraodontidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 30 cm in length. Robust body with thick skin, round head with large eyes and powerful beak. Underside yellow, fins apparently unmarked. Flanks and back covered with purplish-orange network of circles with clear centers.

Range and habitat
The species occurs from Japan to East China, on the western coasts of Kyushu, inland sea of Seto, Bohai sea, Yellow sea and East China sea. Lives in semi-enclosed sea area near shores and estuaries, to 30 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is a highly prized food fish in Japan. Threats include overfishing, loss of habitat and pathogen introduction from farmed specimens.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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