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EveryFish

Tetrodotoxin

A strong nerve poison found in pufferfish, which is why fugu in Japan may only be prepared by licensed chefs.

Also: TTX, pufferfish poison

Tetrodotoxin blocks the channels nerves use to send signals, causing numbness and paralysis, and there is no antidote. It is made by bacteria and builds up in the liver, ovaries and skin of pufferfish and some other animals. A tiny amount can kill an adult. In Japan, the pufferfish fugu, mostly the tiger puffer, is a winter delicacy, and only chefs who have trained and passed a licence may cut it, removing the toxic parts. Poisoning cases still happen, often from fish prepared at home.

See also

Venomous fish Ciguatera Camouflage and mimicry

Find fish that mention Tetrodotoxin

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