Making certain fishes poisonous is nature’s way of maintaining the balance, perhaps.Whatever the reason, it is best to steer away from this animal species that can kill you with its toxins. These fishes are not confined to only the Indo-Pacific or Atlantic, and the sub-species can be found in various parts of the world.These dangerous species roam the waters of the world and may even attack the people near coral reefs. There are many species of fish that have toxins within them. The lionfish was considered the most venomous years ago, although stonefish has replaced it to become the number one in recent years. Lionfish have venomous spines on dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins, which inject the venom straight into the bloodstream of humans. The venom gland sends the venom as its tissue compresses to attack. The Atlantic coral reefs and Indo-pacific waters provide natural habitat to these venomous fish species. Their tissues help in the secretion of venom from their glands and into the spines to cause severe pain, swelling, and sometimes specific cardiovascular issues as well.It is best to steer clear of lionfish. The spines of lionfish puncture the tissues and reach the bloodstream before releasing their venom. Other animals of the same poisonous and venomous family also include stingrays. Stingrays have tapered tails that are pointed. Stingrays prepare themselves to be ready to attack whenever they encounter any threat in the sea. These stingrays form a family within the sea and protect their species from humans and other dangers that surround them. The stingray gives out electric current like the eels to steer clear of any attacks.Anyone who comes close enough and is seen as a danger will feel the damaging and painful effects of electric current from the rays. The blue-spotted stingray is the most dangerous. Their entire family is found near the seafloor, waiting for their prey to step on them. These rays release cardiotoxic venom. These are also found along the Atlantic coral reefs and the Indi-Pacific area. In essence, the poisonous and venomous spines on these sea animals are their natural way to defend themselves and ensure their longer survival. After reading about the poisonous fish species found in the oceans, also prepare to know more about fish gills and fish eggs.The Difference Between Venomous And PoisonousEven though many people use the terms poisonous and venomous interchangeably, they mean different things. Poison is usually consumed, while venom can be injected into any localized region and cause death.Interestingly, a cook in Japan was able to form a dish from the poisonous fish by ensuring that none of the poison was left in the fish when it was cooked. This dish is famously known as Fugu. Fugu is not served in all Japanese restaurants as there are only a few chefs in Japan are skilled enough to remove the poison properly. Fugu is considered to be a very exclusive and delicious treat. The accidental poisoning caused by a Fugu can lead to instant death. Poisonous Fugu contains tetrodotoxin in its inner organs, paralyzing the individual while still conscious.Venomous fishes, on the other hand, tend to inject venom into threatening objects. These fishes have certain body parts specially designed for this job. These include fangs, spines, stingers, barbs, and other parts that can puncture and inject venom into the skin. Interestingly, as the venom needs to be injected to be harmful, these fishes can be held in hand and even consumed safely, unless the animal feels the need to inject the venom.Why is the pufferfish poisonous?Pufferfish have natural protection. The venomous fish species contain tetrodotoxin which makes them lethal upon consumption. Predators may feel that they have won the battle when they catch the puffer before it activates its senses and blows to a larger size.But that is not true. Most people do not know that the venom is spread around all the inner organs, and unless a skilled chef cooks the venomous fish, the person consuming the fish can die within a few minutes. Among all the fish in the world, the pufferfish dish, popularly known as Fugu, is considered the most delicious. This poisonous fish releases toxins when you eat it.Tetrodotoxin, present within the poisonous pufferfish, is deadly and up to 1,200 times more poisonous than the chemical cyanide. Although this poison is known to all, its antidote is still nowhere to be found. Typically, it is said that the amount of tetrodotoxin present in one pufferfish is enough to kill around 30 human adults. These are venomous animals that can finish their prey and their careless predators instantly.What part of pufferfish is poisonous?The various internal organs of the pufferfish are poisonous. The poison of the fish is all around its internal organs, but not the skin. Therefore, these fish get caught.Since there is no poison on their skin and they do not inject the lethal toxins like venomous fish, they tend to be easy to hold and catch if not threatened. They have poison in the liver, ovaries, and eyes. It is best to avoid these areas. The highest amount of poison is present in the liver of this poisonous species. This toxin paralyzes the individual and eventually makes breathing very difficult, finally leading to death. Their natural defense also includes inflating themselves and inserting their spikes into the predators.Many reports suggest that the pufferfish synthesizes its deadly poison from the food they eat. The main diet of the pufferfish includes invertebrates and algae. There are several species of pufferfish found near coral reefs, arctic and indo-pacific areas of the world. Most species of this animal prefer to eat clams, mussels, and shellfish.Which species of pufferfish are most poisonous?There are about 1200 species of pufferfish in the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, among which marine scientists have identified around 930. Most species of pufferfish are found in the tropical ocean waters.The fishes are covered with spikes that threaten their predators whenever they come to eat the pufferfish. Their teeth are not visible separately, and they are clustered together and form what looks like a beak. Though they are poisonous, their poison is not equally dangerous for other animals and humans. Several animals like the sharks efficiently hunt and eat the pufferfish and survive.Not all species of pufferfish are poisonous. The northern puffer is the one that does not have any poison in them. The torafugu or the tiger pufferfish is the most poisonous species among those known to humanity. It is the species with the most amount of poison and the one that is most delicious.How can a fish scale be poisonous?Fish scales are non-toxic by nature. However, research suggests that toxic scales develop when fish are left in polluted waters. The pollution from the waters enters the system of the fish and reacts with their scales to make them toxic and deformed over time.Fish scales are being studied increasingly by researchers as bioindicators of the pollution level present in the tropical and subtropical waters. All the poisonous fishes with their venomous spines and toxins roam around the ocean. The sharp and painful spikes are fatal to the predators and the prey.How To Tell Northern Puffer Fish From Poisonous VarietiesThe northern pufferfish are found along the Atlantic coast of North America. These are not poisonous at all and are called sugar toads. They are gray, brown, or olive back with a yellow or white belly and small dorsal fins near the tail. They love eating shellfish and blue crab.The symptoms of a poisonous species of fish include numbness and tingling around the mouth, salivation, nausea, and vomiting. It can lead to paralysis, loss of consciousness, and respiratory failure and can lead to death. The only identifying feature among the pufferfish species is their color and patterns. This identification is what can save or life when you encounter anyone from this species of fish.Which fish eggs are poisonous?The eggs of the poisonous pufferfish species are deadly. The eggs of these animals can cause the death of individuals within 3 hrs of eating. Such an instance took place in the coral reef area of Myanmar.The fatal eating led to the death of three fishermen as they could not reach the medical services on time. Such fatal experiences occur mainly in the human world. Large sea animals like the shark can eat blowfish and eggs without much concern for its poisonous effects. Apart from this, another fish whose eggs are poisonous include the long-nose gar. The eggs of these species are extremely toxic and can be fatal if eaten.The toxins in the eggs contain cyanide and are harmful to animals and humans. Although the level of harm these eggs cause to humans, other animals and fishes may differ in degrees. Poisoning from eating eggs can be fatal and might take days to be detected.How toxic is the stonefish?The stonefish is now considered the most venomous of all species of fish found in the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. They are fascinating as they camouflage easily due to their color and texture and can silently attack the prey with the spines around its back. They are most often found in the Indo-pacific region and Australia.A sting from the stonefish produces enough pain for the prey or victim to pass out. There is increased swelling accompanied by muscle weakness and even paralysis. In certain rare cases, the sting of a stonefish can even cause death.The dorsal spines of the stonefish come out when applied pressure on the fish and inject venom on the touching body or object, leading to excruciating pain and discomfort. Their texture and looks make it easier for them to lay on the coral reefs, quietly waiting for their prey. Even though fish species like the lionfish and blue ring octopus are also venomous animals of the ocean, stonefish have recently acquired the title of being the most venomous and harmful.Whenever disturbed, this venomous fish instantly raises its dorsal spines and strikes the foot, filling its venom into the individual and causing unexplainable pain. It is interesting to know that this venomous fish used its dorsal spines only to defend itself. When it comes to catching its intentional prey, the fish lays dormant on the ground and waits for its prey to come closer. When the prey is close enough, it attacks the animals to eat it.The venomous spines produce a toxin that can produce severe pain and muscle paralysis. It can strike and cause sharp painful wounds on the exposed area that comes in contact with this venomous fish.Clinical Features After Ingestion Of Poisonous FishWhen humans eat a poisonous fish, such as the puffer, it can produce various symptoms that need quick medical attention. Ciguatera poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, numbness, muscle pain, and general itchiness. It is painful and can even be fatal in some instances if medical attention is not received.Another type of poisoning is Tetraodon poisoning. This is caused by the consumption of Fugu or the puffer. The spines on the puffer are not visible unless it fills itself with air and becomes ready to defend itself. When eaten, this marine animal is toxic and can lead to a series of severe painful experiences such as dizziness and tingling, muscular incoordination, convulsions, and respiratory paralysis as the toxin directly affects the nervous system. Other fish like sharks, shellfish, and stingrays also cause poisoning. The clinical features are often the same as those mentioned above. Although in some cases, death may not occur. But severe pain and muscle tension are always present.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for poisonous fish, then why not take a look at fish eyes or Stonefish Facts.
Making certain fishes poisonous is nature’s way of maintaining the balance, perhaps.
