Guineafowl puffer

Biology

Similarly to other puffer species, its body is covered with thorny scales. It inhabits clear waters near coral reefs, from which it also feeds. These solitary fishes produce toxins on their skin, liver and gonads, which make them highly poisonous.

Conservation

It is highly valued, especially in Japanese cuisine. Even though this is not a threatened species, because it is so dependent on coral where it lives and from which it feeds, it may end up being at risk due to habitat destruction.

Curiosities

When it feels threatened or scared, the puffer can inflate its body by swallowing water. In this way it manages to increase its body volume and scare predators away.