Wikipedia:Today's featured article/August 6, 2004



The pufferfish (or blowfish) is a fish of the family Tetraodontidae, order Tetraodontiformes, named for its ability to inflate itself to several times its normal size by swallowing water or air when threatened. The internal organs of the pufferfish are highly toxic, but nevertheless its meat is considered a delicacy in Japan, where it is known as fugu. The pear-shaped pufferfish is not a particularly capable swimmer, and uses mainly the pectoral fins for propulsion; they appear to be rowing themselves along with their undersized fins. As such, the fish cannot escape predators very well. (more...)

Recently featured: Order of the Garter – Father Damien – Economics