The Balloonfish's Unusual Survival Tactic

The balloonfish, which is also known as the blowfish or pufferfish, deploys one of nature's most peculiar defense mechanisms.

When a threat appears, their bodies quickly inflate into an almost perfect sphere shape.

This defensive adaptation is made possible with a highly elastic stomach and the ability to ingest large amounts of water (or air on land) quickly.

In addition to the sheer size increase, the inflation often exposes sharp spines that deter predators.

However, this survival tactic is extremely dangerous for the fish.

It expends a lot of energy and can result in death if it happens too frequently.

Interestingly, when the danger is over, the balloonfish has an equally arduous task of deflating.

It slowly releases the water or air, returning to its original size and shape over a few hours.

Thus, despite their seemingly jovial appearance, balloonfishes indeed live in quite a stressful world..