"Fugu" puffer fish are a rare, dangerous, and sometimes deadly delicacy at native sushi bars in Japan. About 100 people die per year going for it!
Here's a little info I found on the subject. Why would anyone want to try it?? Beats me...
"The Fugu Puffer belongs to the family Tetraodontidae. Other fish in this family include other species of Puffer fish, Ocean Sunfish and Porcupine fish. Most fish in the family are highly toxic. These fish prefer warm, shallow, tropical waters and can be found in the West Indies, Japan, China and the Philippines Mexico, Taiwan.
So why would anyone dare to eat a food that carries such a risk? I'm not really sure! Let's look at a few facts regarding this most dangerous delicacy:
*The most toxic parts of the Fugu Puffer are the liver, kidneys, reproductive organs, intestines, and skin. The ovaries of the female Puffer are the most dangerous of all.
*Approximately 60% (70 to 100 people per year) of all cases of poisoning by Puffer are fatal.
*In Japan, potential Fugu Puffer chefs go through an intensive training program which lasts from five to seven years, and includes the identification of puffer species, anatomy and the relative toxicity of different parts, preparation techniques, and (of course) first aid."