Latin name

Takifugu vermicularis

Other name

Takifugu vermicularis

Identification

The body of the purple puffer is elongated, almost cylindrical in the anterior part, tapering conically in the posterior part. This species is characterized by the absence of barbed spines or stars on the abdomen. On the back there are small grains that are visible to the eye but not palpable. The skin fold runs along the underside of the body and is well developed, while it is weaker on the head. The height of the body is 3.7 times the absolute length. The diameter of the eye is about 2 times the length of the snout. The length of the snout is 2.3 times the length of the head. The interorbital space is equal to the length of the snout. The anal opening is located in the posterior half of the ventral surface. 

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 15; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 10 - 13. 

The height of the dorsal fin is equal to 0.5 of the length of the head. The anal fin begins just posterior to the anal opening and is slightly longer than the pectoral fin. The beginning of the base of the dorsal fin is slightly forward of the vertical of the beginning of the anal fin. The posterior edge of the anal fin is nearly straight. The caudal fin is slightly rounded along the posterior edge when spread out. 

Fish colouring

The ground color is grayish white, with most of the upper half of the body and head covered with numerous vermiform and rounded spots. On the snout and cheeks these spots are rounded or oval. On the lower part of the dorsal surface, behind the pectoral fin, there is a trace of a dark broad spot, rather large in young specimens. The ventral side is whitish. The iris of the eyes is yellowish-orange. The dorsal fin is brown and the pelvic fin is white. Pectoral and dorsal fins are yellow. The anal fin is white. The caudal fin is yellow with dark rays.

Distribution

Widespread in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, where they are found in waters around China, Taiwan, Republic of Korea and Japan.

Habitat

A marine benthic species that prefers temperate climates.

Size

The purple puffer reaches 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length.

Behavior

They are found near the shore and in estuaries.

Food and feeding habits

The diet consists mainly of algae, mollusks, invertebrates and less frequently crustaceans.

Reproduction

Males care for females by building nests in the sand.

Fishing

This is a commercially important species. 

Relationship with a person

The meat of this fish is poisonous. It is used in Chinese medicine.