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The history of Puffer (or Toadfish) poisoning extends into Biblical times; in fact, the reference in Deuteronomy that declares scaleless fish to be unclean constitutes an injunction to avoid eating these smooth-skinned fishes. Cook's second world voyage was almost terminated by a Puffer, purchased at New Caledonia and there tasted by the famous navigator.
The toxin involved (tetrodotoxin) has no known antidote. It is most concentrated in the liver and roe of the fish; even the skin may be toxic; the flesh to a lesser extent. Hence, the Toadfishes and Puffers MUST NEVER BE EATEN.
The symptoms of Puffer poisoning vary greatly. From 10 to 45 minutes after eating, the patient suffers dizziness and lack of co-ordination of muscular activity. Sweating and general weakness ensue, followed by decreased blood pressure and a rapid, weak pulse. An earlier tingling sensation in the fingers and toes develops to severe numbness. Shortly after, respiratory distress becomes pronounced; muscular lack of co-ordination is followed by paralysis, convulsions and death. Treatment aims at combating respiratory distress and much-reduced blood-pressure.
The Toadfish, Spheroides hamiltoni (Gray and Richardson), is a common species of our coastal streams, estuaries and inlets; it grows to 130 mm. It is adept at changing its coloration to match its surroundings, the body varying from the palest brown with a dappling of darker spots to dull greenish with dark cross-bands and blotchings. It is one of the few fish that allow themselves to be stranded on estuarine flats with the receding tide; with the pectoral fins it winnows a shallow nest in which it lies to await the rising tide. Its powerful parrot-like beak equips it to feed on Soldier-crabs that move through the broad, shallow rivulets crossing the tidal sand-flats. Children derive enjoyment from rolling these little fish underfoot, inflating them to grotesque balloons. The related Giant Toadfish, or Silver-cheeked Toadfish Gastrophysus sceleratus (Gmelin) merits its common name; it grows to 960 mm and is notable for its habit of grinding together its massive teeth, set in jaws powerful enough to shear through the shank of a 4/0 hook. The Giant Toadfish is greenish in colour, profusely speckled with dark-brown spots. A broad bright silvery band runs along the sides, and a triangular silver spot is located before the eye.
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