The Takifugu is one of the types of fish that some countries warn against eating, due to its deadly toxicity because it contains tetrodotoxin. In some regions, it is called the nafikha or rabbit, as it inflates itself when it senses danger.
There are diverse organisms that call the seas and oceans home. Some of them are beneficial and nutritious, while some are harmful and poisonous.
Therefore, many scientists have studied these organisms and provided useful information for us to avoid everything that causes harm to humans.
In this article from teketrek, we will talk about the most important information available about this poisonous fish, in addition to the locations where the poison is found. We will highlight the symptoms of infection, and some other important points. Take a few minutes to read our words and benefit from the information contained within.
An introduction to the Takifugu fish
The Takifugu is considered a notorious species, as it is a poisonous fish that many countries and associations warn against. But the strange thing is that in Japan, it is eaten as a delicacy in Japanese cuisine. This is not new, because the manuscripts and archaeological inscriptions that were found confirm that eating it is considered a delicious dish.
This is not done in vain, but is done by professional chefs who clean the fish and remove the poisonous parts from it. This also applies to the fishermen of the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, as they skin the head, dispose of the head and entrails, and extract the meat only in a better and safer way than Japanese chefs.
The number of Takifugu in the Red Sea increased as many fishermen and observers noticed, then it moved to the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal and began to live there, where it was seen on the Algerian coast in 2010.
The Takifugu has 39 marine species and 28 species that live in fresh water. This fish destroys fishing nets and cuts them with its sharp teeth. When it senses danger, it swells to protect itself and repeats this process – that is, the swell – when it eats its prey.
The catfish belongs to the phylum Omniformes, the phylum of vertebrates, of the class Actinomycetes.
Location of the poison in the shark
The toxins are concentrated in the liver, intestines, skin, gonads, and gills only in catfish, meaning they are not found in the meat.
The Takifugu has mottled grey-coloured skin, and its head is large, making up about a third of its size.
The Takifugu contains poisonous glands located in 3 areas: under the skin, near the viscera, and next to the marrow. The liver is also considered one of the poisonous parts.
The total volume of the poisonous organs is about 12-13% of the meat, and the reason why they are poisonous is because they feed on a type of toxic algae that is produced inside the fish’s body, and is classified as one of the strongest types of poisons.
It is manufactured through special bacteria found inside the body of the fish, and the toxic dose for humans reaches less than 1 milligram.
Symptoms of tick poisoning
Symptoms of poisoning vary from one person to another, and this is due to not knowing the amount that a person is taking. Symptoms begin with the following:
The desire for deep sleep, which may last more than 6 hours.
Numbness in some organs such as the face, tongue, and lips.
Diarrhea and vomiting begin, accompanied by a feeling of dizziness.
Then respiratory problems and severe muscle pain begin.
A drop in blood pressure and paralysis that leads to death due to respiratory cessation.
A poisoned person may experience these symptoms in addition to excessive sweating, and according to the latest studies, death is likely to occur after 6-8 hours.
Favorite food for Takifugu
The Takifugu feeds on valuable fish and marine organisms such as shrimp and crabs, in addition to small chicks, fish eggs, and others. This affects fish stocks in both the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, so officials warned of the necessity of fishing this species and reducing its numbers in both seas.
Ways to benefit from sharks
It is possible to benefit from the shark by introducing it directly into food intended for humans, by receiving it from fishermen and delivering it to the best skilled workers, where they clean it, remove the toxic parts from it, and then serve it with a variety of meals.
It can also be used by introducing it into the field of medical drugs, so it is possible to extract various medical compounds and serums, in addition to introducing it into the field of industry by establishing factories for packing and canning the meat of this type of fish.
Stages of reproduction in titfish
The reproductive process in the female cutterfish takes place through external insemination, where eggs are released from the female and the male releases their sperm in the same area so that the eggs are fertilized
It is not known to everyone that the eggs of this type of fish stick to rocks, stones, etc., and this prevents them from being washed away.
Male perch can also protect the eggs to ensure their survival and thus their survival.
In conclusion of the article on the garfish, we can say that it is considered an important part of the ecosystem, as it plays a vital role in regulating fish numbers and maintaining ecological balance. This fish feeds on small animals and is affected by environmental factors such as pollution and climate change.
