Oceanic puffers, commonly known as pufferfish or fugu in Japan, are a group of fish species recognized for their ability to inflate their bodies as a defense mechanism and for containing the potent neurotoxin tetrodotoxin. These fish are highly prized in certain culinary traditions, particularly in East Asia, where they are considered a delicacy despite their toxicity. The top oceanic puffer fishing countries are Japan, China, and South Korea, with Japan being the most renowned for its regulated and specialized fugu industry. Japanese fishers harvest several species of pufferfish, such as Takifugu rubripes, from both wild stocks and aquaculture operations, with strict government oversight to ensure food safety. China and South Korea also have significant pufferfish fisheries, both for domestic consumption and export, often focusing on both wild capture and farmed production. The industry is characterized by specialized handling, processing, and preparation to mitigate the risks associated with the fish's toxins, making it a unique and culturally significant sector in these countries.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.