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🌊 Marine Critically Endangered ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Poisonous to eat 🌡️ Temperate

Takifugu Chinensis

Takifugu chinensis Abe, 1949
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Max Length
55 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.4
Depth
-
Climate
Temperate
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
47.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Takifugu Chinensis (Takifugu chinensis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Tetraodontidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 55 cm. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Venomous.

Scientific Name
Takifugu chinensis
Authority
Abe, 1949
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Temperate
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
IUCN Status
CR
Max Length
55 cm
Trophic Level
3.4
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
47.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17 - 18; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 14 - 15. Body covered with prickles. A large round black blotch edged with a white line on side just behind pectoral fin. Anal fin black .: short and / or deep.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Takifugu Chinensis is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
Spawn Location
Pelagic
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal. Temperate Northwest Pacific: west of Tsushima, Japan to the East China and Yellow seas.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3.4±0.3

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.02291 × L2.9 (TL)
Max TL
55cm
Dorsal Rays
18
Anal Rays
15

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Critically Endangered
Assessment Date
2011

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
47.00/100
Moderate-High vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.4
Predator
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
Climate Zone
Temperate
Described By
Abe, 1949

⚠️ Venom Profile

Medical Warning: This species is venomous. Seek immediate medical attention if envenomated. Contact emergency services and follow first aid guidance below.
Venom Type
proteinaceous neurotoxin
Delivery
dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin spines
Potency
Severe
Mortality Risk
Low
Symptom Onset
5min
Duration
24.0hrs
Antivenom
✗ Not Available
Named Toxins
high-molecular-weight protein (Stonustoxin analogue) acetylcholine
Symptoms
  • immediate intense pain
  • swelling
  • erythema
  • occasional nausea and weakness
Affected Body Systems
peripheral nervous system cardiovascular
First Aid
Immerse affected area in hot water (45 C, tolerable) for 30-90 minutes to denature toxin. Do not apply ice.
Medical Treatment

Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.

References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature

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