Particularidades en el conocimiento de la biología del género Sphoeroides y Lagocephalus del golfo de México

Abstract

The order Tetraodontiforme has the puffer fish, known scientifically under the genera Sphoeroides and Lagocephalus, they are among the most fascinating and enigmatic marine creatures. They inhabit marine, estuarine, and even freshwater bodies of tropical regions. Currently this order is represented by 105 genera and 435 species. Pufferfish have the fascinating ability to increase their body size by ingesting water or air, to avoid being preyed on. Pufferfish have an annual reproductive cycle with spawning peaks during the warmer months, considering temperature and salinity as optimal conditions. The genus Sphoeroides and Lagocephalus are considered omnivorous with a preference for a carnivorous diet. What makes them fish rich in high quality protein, fatty acids Ω3. In addition to containing essential minerals and vitamins. However, these fishes have neurotoxin, such as tetrodotoxin (TTX) which is often fatal to humans when consumed. But these toxins have pharmaceutical potential, due to their ability to block sodium channels, they are used to treat pain in patients with terminal cancer or as an analgesic and even to control opioid addictions. In contrast, aquaculture for these species, particularly for Lagocephalus laevigatus, is presented as a great opportunity, since the cultivation of these species under controlled conditions can avoid toxicity that it presents in its intestine, which could make it more attractive for consumption human, it also contributes to the conservation of the species and food security in the demand for protein. Keywords: Puffer fish, Tetraodontiform, Tetrodotoxin, Tetraodontidae