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There are over 120 different species of this peculiar fish, best known for its ability to turn itself into a big, spiny ball when threatened. If cleaned and properly prepared, puffer fish, or blowfish as it is also know, can be safely eaten and is even considered a delicacy in Japan. However, beware before ordering a plate of puffer. The liver, gonads, intestines, and skin of some species contain a neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin, a poison also found in the California newt and the eastern salamander and that can cause death if ingested. In Japan, where a meal of puffer, or fugu, can run you a pretty
penny, chefs are required to undergo an exam and acquire a special license to prepare the dish. During the exam, which has only a 25% pass rate, the chef must prepare and then eat a meal of puffer fish. Despite these precautions, some 100-200 people suffer from tetrodotoxin poisoning every year. Approximately half of these cases result in death. Only small portions of contaminate fish need to be consumed for poisoning to occur, and the effects are felt within minutes. Symptoms usually include tingling of the mouth, vomiting, dizziness, and eventually, paralysis and death. There is no known antidote so treatment usually includes pumping the stomach. However,
tetrodotoxin might not be all bad. Recent research has suggested that it may ease pain in cancer patients and help wean heroin addicts.
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