Tetrodotoxin Collection

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The yellowspotted burrfish, Cyclichthys spilostylus, is also known as the spotbase burrfish. Photographed at night in the Red Sea, Egypt

Pufferfish, Yap, Micronesia
A close look at the face of a blackspotted puffer or dog-faced puffer (Arothron nigropunctatus); Yap, Federated States of Micronesia

Hawaii, Front View Of Spiny Puffer (Diodon Holocanthus) Close-Up With Black Background

Hawaii, Spiny Puffer (Diodon Holocanthus) Close-Up With Mouth Open, Black Background

Blackspotted pufferfish (Arothron nigropunctatus). The body of this pufferfish contains the deadly poison tetrodotoxin (TTX), one of the most lethal poisons known

Manila pufferfish (Arothron manilensis) with cleaner shrimps. This is a symbiotic relationship; the shrimps remove parasites from the fish, which they then eat

Masked pufferfish (Arothron diadematus). The body of this pufferfish contains the deadly poison tetrodotoxin (TTX), one of the most lethal poisons known. Photographed in the Red Sea, Egypt

Giant pufferfish
Juvenile giant pufferfish (Arothron stellatus). When threatened, pufferfish gulp down water. This causes them to swell to up to twice their normal body size

Starry pufferfish (Arothron stellatus) on the seabed. The body of this pufferfish contains the deadly poison tetrodotoxin (TTX), one of the most lethal poisons known

Map pufferfish (Arothron mappa). The body of this pufferfish contains the deadly poison tetrodotoxin (TTX), one of the most lethal poisons known. Photographed in the Andaman Sea, Thailand

Tetrodotoxin molecule. Computer model of a molecule of tetrodotoxin (TTX), a powerful neurotoxin. Atoms are represented as spheres and are colour-coded; carbon (grey), hydrogen (turquoise)

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Tetrodotoxin, commonly found in pufferfish, is a potent neurotoxin that can be deadly if consumed. Native to the waters surrounding Yap in Micronesia, these fish are known for their unique defense mechanism - inflating themselves into spiky balls when threatened. In Hawaii, a front view of the Spiny Puffer showcases its intricate patterns against a striking black background. Another close-up reveals its menacing mouth wide open, displaying rows of sharp teeth. The Blackspotted and Map pufferfish species also possess this lethal toxin. With their distinct markings and vibrant colors, they add beauty to coral reefs while hiding an ominous secret within them. The Manila and Masked pufferfish exhibit similar characteristics but differ in appearance. One must exercise caution around these creatures as even the Giant and Starry pufferfish contain tetrodotoxin within their bodies. This venomous substance acts on nerve cells by blocking sodium channels, leading to paralysis and potentially fatal consequences if ingested. While tetrodotoxin poses a significant threat to humans, it has also attracted scientific interest due to its potential medical applications such as pain relief or treating neurological disorders. However, proper handling and preparation are crucial when consuming any form of pufferfish delicacy. Tetrodotoxin serves as a reminder of nature's delicate balance between beauty and danger lurking beneath the ocean's surface – captivating yet deadly at the same time.