The Puffer Forum

Are the spiny box pufferfish or any other puffer fish poisonous to hold in your hand? Are the spikes on the spiny box puffer poisonous or if they die in the water does it contaminate the water? Thanks for your help with these questions.

[welcome}
The answer to both of your questions is no, the spines are not poisonous. But please do not remove any puffer out of the water, to hold in your hand.

Your hands are most likely poisonous to the puffer, not the other way round

If you're asking if the fish will poison you if you touch them then the answer is no. You should never touch any fish, however, as you will disturb their protective slime coat which may make them vulnerable to infections. Never take a puffer out of the water - if they inhale air, it is likely to get trapped in their system.

Trust me guys I don't plan on touching the puffer, even before you guys gave me my answer. However thanks for the information and I will remember it. I am surprised at the lack of information on the subject around the web. I am also well aware that they should never puff air ( I plan to transport him with a bowl ) I do think they are interesting animals and I'm starting to love to observe marine life first hand so I'm pretty excited about this.

I am surprised at the lack of information on the subject around the web.

Good thing you found us!

No fish should be handled unless you are preparing to eat it. Pet fish should always be in water and untouched. Pet fish should not be petted - it is bad for their skin.