Introduction

This is the first comprehensive book on the biology and ecology of pufferfish, also known as blowfish, swellfish, and globefish. Covering 197 species of pufferfish recorded so far from the marine, brackish, and freshwater ecosystems of the world, this important volume expounds on the toxins and associated poisonings of pufferfish. Importantly, the volume also explores the many uses of pufferfish, such as in aquariums, for their nutritional and culinary value, and for their emerging uses in the treatment of pain.

Topics covered include:

• biology and ecology of pufferfish
• profiles of the world’s marine, brackish, and freshwater pufferfish species
• characteristics of TTX (tetrodotoxin) and STX (saxitoxin) of pufferfish
• pufferfish poisoning and symptoms: treatment and management
• aquarium uses of pufferfish
• nutritional and pharmaceutical values of pufferfish
• diseases and parasites of pufferfish and their management