The PuffersImagine you're a lizard fish that has just captured the tail end of what you believe will be a tasty meal -- a juvenile puffer fish. But as you widen your jaw to take another bite, you find yourself in quite a predicament. Your meal has expanded into something that looks like a carnival balloon. With the tail still in your mouth, do you attempt to deflate your meal into something more bite-size or simply give up?Reef fishes use a variety of defense mechanism to protect themselves from predators. Some fishes use unique color patterns as camouflage. Some fishes pair up with other marine life for protection. Other fishes transform their body shape or produce toxic substances to become less appetizing meals. The puffers use a combination of these defense mechanisms to protect themselves.
In this photo gallery, you will find images of 12 puffer fish with links to detailed
species profiles. Do you know the distinguishing features of a bluespotted, immaculate,
starry or reticulated puffer? Check out their diverse appearances and learn more
about their curious behaviors and habitats of these puffer fish and more. Also two (2)
Quicktime™ video clips of puffers.
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Photo Gallery
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