Tiger Pufferfish

About this species

The most prized pufferfish of Korea and Japan, whose flesh is a luxury delicacy but whose organs are highly toxic. It roams sandy and reef bottoms of coastal seas, crushing shellfish and crustaceans. It must only be prepared by licensed specialists — never eat one you catch yourself.

Season

Depth

10 – 100 m

Habitat Spots

Fishing Methods

Bait & Rig

Squid strip, shrimp or small whole fish on a single-hook bottom rig; handle with extreme care and have the catch processed only by a licensed specialist.

Edibility & Taste

A prized luxury in Japan and Korea (fugu/복국 and 복지리), but organs contain lethal tetrodotoxin — only licensed chefs may prepare it.

Similar Species

Tiger puffer has orange-brown blotches and a white belly; closely related species such as Takifugu pardalis require expert examination to separate safely.

Record Weight

10 kg