Location:
Pufferfish live in warm and temperate seas across the world, especially around coral reefs, seagrass beds, and coastal shallows. A few species also occur in freshwater and brackish habitats.

Average Size:
Most species grow between 10–30 cm, although some can reach up to 90 cm. Dried specimens preserved in their inflated state often appear larger than life.

Family:
Tetraodontidae — the pufferfish family, also called blowfish or balloonfish.

Species:
This specimen is not identified to a single species, but represents the wider pufferfish family.

Feeding and Jaw Function:
Pufferfish have powerful beak-like jaws formed from four fused teeth. These are used to crack open the shells of crabs, molluscs, and other hard-shelled prey.

Movement and Sensory Features:
They are generally slow swimmers, moving with fluttering fin strokes. Despite this, they have excellent eyesight and rely on sudden inflation and sharp external spines to deter predators.

Reproduction:
Most species reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the open water. In some, males prepare sandy nests to attract females, where eggs are laid and guarded until hatching.

Conservation Status:
Most pufferfish are listed as “Least Concern,” though local populations may be affected by overfishing, habitat decline, and collection for souvenirs or trade.

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