#Fugu fish poison skin#

According to the Tokyo Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health, in the 10-year period between 19, there have been between 20 and 44 cases of poisoning with this fish. Fugu fish is definitely remarkably tasting but the risks are quite real. The taste of the fish is vaguely reminiscent of chicken with pleasant nuances of seafood. Fugu fish can also be served as a broth, containing a raw egg and rice. Another remarkable little factoid - every person has the right to consume fugu fish under their own discretion, however, the Japanese emperor is officially prohibited from doing this.įugu is eaten by dipping the super thin pieces in a special sauce with spices. The candidate fugu chef is required to clean and process the fish in front of a specialized committee, then prepare various dishes with it and finally - to eat them under the watchful eyes of the committee. Training is highly intensive and the final test - exceptionally hard. In order to earn their license, a chef must possess a number of skills, among which are the ability to determine the toxicity levels in the different parts of the fish. Statistics indicate that there are an estimated 70 000 licensed chefs in Japan, who can legally prepare fugu. Some entrepreneurial Japanese manufacturers are even farming non-toxic fugu fish but die-hard fans believe that it loses its charm and taste this way.

If the fish ate non-toxic food instead then it would not be dangerous to humans and, the absence of toxins does not in any way affect its taste.

#Fugu fish poison skin#

The toxin is classified as a tetrodotoxin and is found primarily in the liver, sex glands and skin of the fish. The dangerous toxin in the fugu fish is an entire 1250 times more potent than cyanide. If this sensation continues, death is imminent because there is no antivenom. Swallowing even very small amounts of the poison causes tickling and a slight tingling, lasting several seconds after ingestion. In fact, the poison contained in just 1 fugu fish can cause the deaths of 30-40 people. The internal organs and skin of the fish contain a lethal toxin. If it senses danger, the fugu fish fills its stomach with water, becoming round in shape, to scare off its pursuer.įugu have numerous hidden spines which pop up when its body puffs out, becoming spiky and therefore quite difficult to swallow by predators. This fish has a highly unusual body shape and can be seen in the waters surrounding Korea and Japan.Īdult fugu reach lengths of up to 19 3/4″ (50 cm) and can live approximately 5 years. Fugu is an unusually exotic species of pufferfish, also known as a porcupinefish.