How Long Do Puffer Fish Live?

The average lifespan of the puffer fish is approximately 10 years. As you've read, the poison found in puffer fish is tetrodotoxin– one of the most toxic poisons found in nature.

Do puffer fish die when they puff up?

When a puffer fish puffs up, it takes in water to increase the size. This violently forces the puffer's organs to be pressed to the side, inside the body causing the organs to flatten. This creates an extreme amount of stress for the puffer fish. In some cases the puffer fish dies from this stress.

Is it safe to touch a puffer fish?

Poison spikes: One of the adaptations that helps the pufferfish survive is the ability to produce a poison known as tetraodotoxin. This toxin is secreted across their body, making puffers dangerous to touch and even more dangerous to consume.