📖 Overview
Occurs in the sublittoral zone . The skin, gonads, liver, intestines and even the blood contain deadly toxin but still utilized fresh for human consumption, especially in Japan .
Scientific Name
Takifugu porphyreus
Authority
Temminck & Schlegel, 1850
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 17; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 11 - 15. Body without prickles. Body brown dorsally, white ventrally. A large black blotch behind pectoral fin, another on base of dorsal fin .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for gamefish is currently being
reviewed.
🦐 Diet
aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus
🥚 Reproduction
🐣 Oviparous
📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal. Temperate; 44°N - 35°N Northwest Pacific: southern Hokkaido, Japan to the East China Sea.
🌿 Ecology
Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine
⬇️ Benthic
📐 Morphometrics
Length–Weight Relationship:
W = 0.01479 × L2.94
(TL)
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
IUCN Category
Least Concern
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
36.00/100
Moderate vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.4
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Described By
Temminck & Schlegel, 1850
⚠️ 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
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
🎣 Angling Guide
Fight Rating
strong pulls with head-shakes
Best Seasons
spring,summer,fall
Best Time
incoming tide, dawn and dusk
Rod Type
medium-heavy spinning
Catch & Release
✓ Recommended
Best Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Techniques
bottom fishing
popping cork
soft plastics
live bait
Bait & Lures
live shrimp
cut mullet
soft plastic paddle-tails
popping corks
Recommended Tackle
-
medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
-
30-50 lb braid
-
fluorocarbon leader
Where to Find Them
-
grass flats
-
oyster bars
-
marsh drains
-
deeper channel edges
Tips & Tricks
Popping cork technique attracts fish from distance. Fish moving tides.
Catch & Release Tips
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
Regulations Summary
⚠️
Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for gamefish is
currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for gamefish has not yet been
assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact
✓ Sustainable Choice
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g
- Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
Proximate Composition
Energy125 kcal
Moisture75 %
Protein20 %
Total Fat4 %
Ash1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat1 g
Monounsaturated Fat1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Omega-3 Total1 g
EPA0.3 g
DHA0.5 g
Omega-6 Total0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Magnesium30 mg
Phosphorus220 mg
Potassium380 mg
Sodium55 mg
Zinc0.5 mg
Selenium32 µg
Vitamin B122 µg
📊 Population Dynamics
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Index |
Notes |
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