Fish is a healthy and delicious source of protein, but not all fish are safe to eat. Some fish contain toxins that can cause serious health problems, making them dangerous to consume.

In this article, we will discuss the most common types of dangerous fish to eat, what risks they pose, and what precautions you can take to protect yourself.

1. Fugu (Pufferfish)

Fugu, or pufferfish, is a Japanese delicacy that is also one of the most dangerous fish to eat in the world. This fish contains a potent neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin, which is found in its skin, liver, and ovaries.

The toxin affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death.

Only licensed chefs are permitted to prepare fugu, and even then, accidents can happen. It is estimated that there are around 50 cases of fugu poisoning each year in Japan, with some cases resulting in fatalities.

If you do decide to try fugu, make sure it is prepared by a licensed chef who has undergone rigorous training and certification. The chef should also be able to show you their certification before preparing the fish.

2. Barracuda

Barracuda is a popular game fish found in tropical waters, but it can also be dangerous to eat. This fish contains high levels of ciguatoxin, a toxin produced by a type of algae that can accumulate in the fish’s flesh.

Ciguatoxin is heat-resistant, so cooking the fish does not eliminate the toxin.

Symptoms of ciguatera poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, and neurological symptoms such as tingling and numbness. In severe cases, the symptoms can last for months or years and may even be permanent.

If you catch a barracuda, it is best to release it back into the water. If you do decide to eat it, make sure it comes from a reputable source that tests for ciguatoxin.

3. Escolar

Escolar is a type of fish that is often marketed as “white tuna” or “butterfish.” While it is considered a delicacy in some parts of the world, it can be dangerous to eat.

Escolar contains high levels of wax esters, which can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea and vomiting.

The symptoms of escolar poisoning are often mistaken for the stomach bug or food poisoning. However, the symptoms can be more severe and long-lasting, lasting for up to three days.

The best way to avoid escolar poisoning is to avoid eating escolar altogether. If you do decide to eat it, limit your portion size and eat only a small amount at first to see how your body reacts.

4. Swordfish

Swordfish is a popular fish that is often used in sushi and other dishes. However, it can contain high levels of mercury, a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems if consumed in large amounts.

Mercury is a neurotoxin that can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and difficulty walking.

In pregnant women, mercury exposure can harm the developing fetus and lead to developmental delays and other health problems.

The FDA recommends limiting consumption of swordfish to no more than once a month for adults and once a week for children.

5. Tilapia

Tilapia is a popular fish that is often farmed and sold in supermarkets. While it is generally considered safe to eat, some tilapia farms use hormones and chemicals to speed up growth and prevent disease.

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These chemicals can end up in the fish’s flesh and pose a risk to human health.

In addition, farmed tilapia is often fed a diet that is high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3 fatty acids.

This can lead to an imbalance of fatty acids in the body and increase the risk of inflammation, heart disease, and other health problems.

The best way to avoid the risks of farmed tilapia is to buy wild-caught tilapia or choose a different type of fish that is farmed using sustainable practices.

6. Catfish

Catfish is a popular fish that is often served in Southern cuisine. However, it can be dangerous to eat if it comes from contaminated waters.

Catfish can accumulate high levels of PCBs, dioxins, and other toxins that can cause cancer and other health problems.

If you eat catfish, make sure it comes from a reputable source that tests for contaminants. Avoid eating catfish caught in rivers or lakes that are known to be polluted.

7. Shark

Shark is another popular fish that can be dangerous to eat due to its high levels of mercury. In addition, some species of shark are endangered and should not be eaten due to conservation concerns.

The FDA recommends avoiding shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish due to their high levels of mercury. If you do decide to eat shark, choose smaller species that are less likely to have high levels of mercury.

8. Tuna

Tuna is a popular fish that is often used in sushi and other dishes. However, it can contain high levels of mercury, which can cause serious health problems if consumed in large amounts.

The FDA recommends limiting consumption of canned light tuna to no more than three ounces per week for adults and one and a half ounces per week for children.

They also recommend avoiding canned albacore tuna, which has higher levels of mercury, and fresh tuna steak, which is often higher in mercury than canned tuna.

9. Eel

Eel is a type of fish that is often used in sushi. While it is generally considered safe to eat, some species of eel can contain high levels of mercury. In addition, some eel species are overfished and should be avoided due to conservation concerns.

If you do decide to eat eel, choose farmed eel that has been tested for mercury and other contaminants.

10. Monkfish

Monkfish is a type of fish that is often marketed as “poor man’s lobster.” While it is considered a delicacy in some parts of the world, it can be dangerous to eat.

Monkfish contains high levels of a toxin called MCHM, which can cause digestive problems and skin irritation.

Even a small amount of MCHM can cause illness, so it is best to avoid eating monkfish altogether.

Conclusion

Fish is an excellent source of protein and other nutrients, but it is important to be aware of the risks associated with certain types of fish.

By choosing fish that are low in toxins and contaminants and avoiding fish that are known to be dangerous, you can protect your health and enjoy the many benefits of this delicious food.