When they are not puffed up, the 120-plus species of puffer fish have narrow bodies with bulging heads. Some species can grow to more than 2 feet long; the smallest are a diminutive 2 or 3 inches. Many puffer fish contain a toxin, tetrodotoxin, which is lethal to many animals, including humans. The coloring varies greatly among species. Some puffer fish have bright colors to show they are toxic; others have subdued, mottled colors that camouflage them against the ocean
floor. Many species are covered with spines, which provide yet another layer of defense. Puffer fish need all these defenses because they are relatively slow swimmers and would otherwise be vulnerable to predators.
Read more: About the Puffer Fish | eHow About the Puffer Fish | eHow
floor. Many species are covered with spines, which provide yet another layer of defense. Puffer fish need all these defenses because they are relatively slow swimmers and would otherwise be vulnerable to predators.Read more: About the Puffer Fish | eHow About the Puffer Fish | eHow
