At least seven other pufferfish species are Endangered, and many species are reported to be declining. The majority of species are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but the Chinese puffer (Takifugu chinensis) is Critically Endangered. Sharks, lizardfish and other large predatory fish Invertebrates (particularly molluscs) and plant matter Some, particularly the freshwater species, are drab and camouflaged, while others exhibit flamboyant warning coloration Weights range from the huge Mbu puffer (Tetraodon mbu), which can exceed 5kg, to the dwarf puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus), which only weighs a few grams The smallest only grows to around 3.5 centimetres The largest pufferfish species can reach 67 centimetres long. The fahaka puffer, the type species of this family, lives at least 10 years Worldwide, but mostly confined to tropical and warmer temperate waters Species occur in marine, brackish and freshwater habitats These rotund little fish can inflate to twice their size in seconds, are covered with fearsome spines, and to top it all off they contain some of the most lethal toxins found in the animal kingdom. Despite their slow movement and decidedly awkward appearance, pufferfish are defensive fortresses that present a unique and daunting challenge to pretty much any predator foolish enough to attempt to eat them.
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