Pufferfish

The boxfish family Tetraodontidae, small mainly marine fishes scattered through the Indo-Pacific. Japan prizes certain species as fugu, prepared by licensed chefs who remove the organs where tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin, concentrates, turning a lethal fish into a celebrated delicacy. Other species have caused severe and often fatal poisonings when eaten casually. Trade is therefore tightly regulated, with species identification, trained preparation, and sometimes outright bans protecting consumers from one of the sea’s most dangerous foods. Only licensed chefs may prepare it for sale in countries where it is permitted.