Q: What is a fugu? A: Fugu is the japanese name for pufferfish. There are two families of closely-related pufferfishes: smooth or spiny. The mascot for our company is the spiny version which is sometimes referred to as a porcupine fish. top of page
Q: How and why do they puff up? A: When threatened, a pufferfish expands by sucking in large quantities of water into its stomach via a special valve on the floor of its mouth. When fully puffed they not only look much larger and scary to the potential predator, they are also much harder to swallow. top of page
Q: Is it safe to eat fugu? A: Fugu is considered a delicacy in Japan where highly trained chefs prepare it for brave customers. The fish's ovaries and liver contain the poison tetrodotoxin which is highly toxic if not prepared correctly. Even with Japan's strict licensing of chefs, an average of 100-200 people show signs of poisoning each year with a death rate of 61%! top of page
Q: Why is this company called Fugu? A: The training a Japanese chef goes through to be licensed to serve fugu is extensive, rigorous, hands-on and of an extremely high quality. This makes sense given the stakes. This is also the philosophy behind FUGU.com. Hands-on, immersive trainings and content of the highest quality possible. We also just really like the name! top of page
Q: Where can you find fugus? A: Fugus can be found throughout the world in tropical or temperate waters including some freshwater habitats. top of page
Q: Can you have a fugu as a pet? A: Yes, fugus can be raised in a tank and can be purchased at specialty tropical fish stores. Beware though that they tend to not like other fish and may try to take a bite out of anything moving slow enough for them to catch! top of page
