Purple puffer
📖 Overview
Purple puffer (Takifugu vermicularis) 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 30 cm. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food, venomous.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 15; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 10 - 13. Body without prickles. Brown vermiculations dorsally, white ventrally. Pectoral and dorsal fins yellow; anal fin white; caudal fin yellow with dark rays .: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Purple puffer is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Purple puffer is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Purple puffer is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal. Temperate; 40°N - 22°N, 115°E - 145°E Northwest Pacific: Japan to the East China Sea.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Purple puffer is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 512 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Purple puffer has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fugu vermicularis | Temminck & Schlegel | 1850 | Synonym |
| Spheroides abbotti | Jordan & Snyder | 1901 | Synonym |
| Sphoeroides vermicularis | Temminck & Schlegel | 1850 | Synonym |
| Tetraodon vermicularis | Temminck & Schlegel | 1850 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 8 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Purple puffer ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.