User:Reece.Ciampitti/Map puffer

The map puffer (Arothron mappa), also known as the map pufferfish, scribbled pufferfish, or Kesho-fugu, is a demersal marine fish belonging to the family Tetraodontidae. The map puffer is typically found in tropical and subtropical waters from the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific Ocean. This fish contains tetrodotoxin, a potent and deadly chemical compound used to ward off predators. Despite being highly poisonous, the map puffer can be found both in the aquarium trade and certain food markets.

rather, the majority of the map puffer’s body is covered with small dermal spines with the exception of areas around the mouth, pectoral fin base, and caudal fin base.

Parasitism
Several invertebrate species are known to parasitize Arthron Mappa and other Tetraodontiforme fishes. The Aporocotylidae species of Psettarium yoshidai is found exclusively in the Map Puffer , and two nematode species in the genus Philometra (Philometra robusta and Philometra pellucida ) can be found in the Map Puffer and other Tetraodontiformes. Aforementioned Philometra species cause severe swelling and distention of the gut in Tetraodontiformes. Cases of extreme infection by Philometra in an individual can lead to their rapid ascension to surface waters and resultant predation due to lack of shelter and mobility.

As Food
Despite containing tetrodotoxin, several species of pufferfish in the family Tetraodontidae are considered delicacies in Japan. Studies have shown that the map puffer’s flesh can be safely consumed by humans. The skin, liver, gonads, and intestines of the map puffer should not be consumed, as they contains high concentrations of the tetrodotoxin. Specialized training is required to prepare a puffer fish containing tetrodotoxin for consumption, as to not contaminate the edible flesh with tetrodotoxin contained within the fish’s skin and organs.

Reproduction
Courting begins when an A. mappa male constructs a large flattened circle in a substrate by using its fins to dig and stir up sand particles. The male will then dig geometric valleys and ridges within the circle to create a complex and geometric maze-like pattern. This acts as both a mating display to attract females and a nesting site for eggs to be laid. When a female A. mappa approaches a nest, the male will swim around and stir the sand to draw the female's attention. If the courtship ritual is successful, the female will enter the nest and release her eggs, which the male then fertilizes. Fertilized eggs will remain and develop within the nest until they hatch into a planktonic larval stage.

Defense
Pufferfish containing tetrodotoxin do not manufacture the compound themselves, rather, it is produced by endosymbiotic bacteria within the pufferfish that is passed down the food chain.