News: India’s first scientifically confirmed case of freshwater pufferfish poisoning highlights a hidden risk.
About Freshwater Pufferfish
- Freshwater pufferfish belong primarily to the family Tetraodontidae.
- Distribution: They are naturally distributed across tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia (India, Thailand, Indonesia) and Africa, where they inhabit rivers, streams, floodplains, and lakes.
- Globally, about 190–193 valid species of pufferfish are recognised.
- India hosts eight genera and 32 species, occurring in both marine and freshwater systems.
- In India, they are primarily found in Western Ghats and major river basins such as the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Mahanadi.
- Habitat: Freshwater pufferfish are benthic and inhabit rivers, floodplains, wetlands, and lakes.
- Diet: They are omnivorous, feeding on algae, aquatic plants, insects, molluscs, and small invertebrates.
- Features:
- Size: Freshwater puffers exhibit an extraordinary range of sizes and forms. At the smallest end is the pea puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus), reaching only about 2–2.5 cm.
- At the opposite extreme is the mbu puffer (Tetraodon mbu), which can exceed 60 cm and is among the largest freshwater fishes kept in captivity.
- Freshwater pufferfish may contain tetrodotoxin (TTX), one of the most potent natural neurotoxins. Evidence suggests pufferfish do not synthesise TTX themselves. The toxin is likely produced by symbiotic or ingested bacteria.
- Pufferfish are widely regarded as some of the most intelligent freshwater aquarium fish. They demonstrate strong visual recognition, curiosity, and problem-solving abilities.
- Their presence often indicates good river health and ecological balance.
- Conservation status: Some species, such as the dwarf pufferfish, are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
- Threats: Wastewater and industrial pollution, Habitat degradation and overharvesting for the aquarium trade.
