| Other Names | - |
| Climate/Terrain | Aquatic |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Organization | Solitary |
| Activity Cycle |
Diurnal |
| Diet | Omnivore |
These beautiful fish have shimmering blue-green iridescent scales along their 2 foot long bodies. Along each side is a bright emerald stripe. The fins are likewise brilliant blue-green color. The tail is another foot long and delicate. A number of brilliant green and black spines protrude from the dorsal and lateral fins.
This dangerous creature is blessed with several spines that contain one of the most potent toxins known to the world. When threatened, it will rush predators shaking its fins and spins. If pulled out of the water by fishermen, this fish will fight aggressively, attempting to impale its spines into hands and feet while it makes a cacophony of throaty babbling sounds. (The fish gets its name from this odd prattling that it makes when caught by fishermen). The neurotoxin produced by the spines is thick, gel-like and maintains it's virulence even when diluted in seawater. This toxin rapidly paralyzes the nervous system and shuts down the heart and lungs in prey.
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This rare fish is prized for its orange meat. The neurotoxin from the spines permeates the flesh of this fish in very small quantities. When consumed, this slightly tainted meat produces a euphoric state and numbness of the entire body. Of course, the fish must be prepared carefully. Certain cuts of meat are too saturated and can cause breathing difficulty, sickness and even death.
This page last updated Saturday, July 01, 2006. Copyright 1990-2006 David M. Roomes.