Why is pufferfish poisonous

Speaking of pufferfish, everyone will think of it as a poisonous creature. Pufferfish do contain toxins, because this toxin is for self-protection, and is mainly used to attack some enemies that will affect itself. However, the meat of pufferfish is very delicious, and people can't help wanting to eat it. The reason why pufferfish is poisonous is because the elements in its body are toxic to humans. In fact, the pufferfish itself will not feel that there is a problem.

Basic Introduction Tetrodotoxin is a marine toxin found in animals such as pufferfish, salamanders, and spotted-footed toads. Molecular formula C11H17N3O8. Colorless prismatic crystals. Not thermally stable. It is sparingly soluble in water, but soluble in aqueous solutions of weak acids. It is easily decomposed in alkaline solutions and is also unstable in low pH solutions. Tetrodotoxin is a strong neurotoxin. Even very low concentrations of tetrodotoxin can selectively inhibit the passage of sodium ions through nerve cell membranes. Tetrodotoxin has other pharmacological effects and is a useful tool for the study of neurophysiology and muscle physiology. Its toxicity is 1,250 times that of the highly toxic drug sodium cyanide, and only 0.48 mg is needed to kill a person. In fact, pufferfish muscles do not contain toxins. The most poisonous parts of pufferfish are the ovaries and liver, followed by the kidneys, blood, eyes, gills and skin. The toxicity of pufferfish is also related to its reproductive cycle. Pufferfish carrying eggs in late spring and early summer are the most toxic. This toxin can cause nerve paralysis, vomiting, cold limbs, and even cardiac and respiratory arrest.

Puffer fish, also known as bubble fish, ancient name: 鯸鲐(hóu tái), alias: also known as puffer fish, bubble fish, spicy head fish, in Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas called small jade spot, large jade spot, black wolf, etc., in Guangdong area called Chengyu, chicken bubble, turtle fish, in Guangdong's Chaoshan area called Guaiyu, and near Hebei it is called Latou.

Most pufferfish are tropical marine fish, with only a few species living in fresh water. If a pufferfish feels threatened, it will swallow water or air to swell its body into a spiny ball, making it difficult for its natural enemies to bite it. The internal organs of many species of pufferfish contain a neurotoxin that can be fatal to humans.

There have been reports of people dying from eating puffer fish both at home and abroad. Although tasting puffer fish involves risking one's life, puffer fish tastes very delicious. Therefore, there are still many greedy people who are willing to eat puffer fish at all costs. The country in the world where pufferfish is most popular is Japan. There are fugu restaurants in every major city in Japan. Chefs must undergo rigorous professional training. During the graduation exam, the chefs have to eat the puffer fish they cooked. Therefore, some people who do not have strong enough skills do not dare to take the exam and run away.

Although puffer fish is highly poisonous, its meat is delicious and tender. People often compare puffer fish fillets to Japanese paintings, which are soft, delicate and leave a lasting aftertaste.