Overview
- A fully inflated tropical pufferfish about 17 inches long was found washed up on Knoll Beach in Studland and has been reported to Dorset Wildlife Trust.
- The specimen was discovered by diver Owen Booty, who photographed it and sent images to Dorset Wildlife Trust and a marine biologist for confirmation.
- The Natural History Museum says the pufferfish toxin tetrodotoxin is extremely potent and can cause paralysis and respiratory failure, and the toxin can remain dangerous after the fish is dead.
- Researchers and reporters say powerful recent storms are the likely cause of the fish being carried far north, and there have been no confirmed additional local incidents so far; the National Trust said it had not been notified about this find.
- Authorities urge people not to touch or move pufferfish, to report sightings to Dorset Wildlife Trust, and to take care on beaches after severe storms because unusual marine species can wash ashore.