Alabama Life & Culture Why a rare puffer fish made scientists misty-eyed in Alabama Updated: Jul. 25, 2024, 11:58 p.m. | Published: Jul. 25, 2024, 11:43 a.m.

This remarkable defense mechanism has sparked conversations around the world about the incredible marine adaptations that allow smaller aquatic animals to survive and thrive in vast oceans.

Like other puffer fish, the grass puffer accumulates the neurotoxin TTX to discourage would-be predators. However, grass puffers also accumulate a non-toxic analog of TTX called 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX ...

SHIMONOSEKI, Japan -- -- This is no ordinary dinner. Paper-thin slices of almost transparent raw fish glisten in spirals on the platter before you, arranged like the petals of a chrysanthemum.