Tetrodotoxin, frequently abbreviated as
TTX, is a potent
neurotoxin. Its name derives from
Tetraodontiformes, an order that includes
pufferfish,
porcupinefish,
ocean sunfish, and
triggerfish; several species that carry the toxin. Although tetrodotoxin was discovered in these fish and found in several other animals (e.g.,
blue-ringed octopus,
rough-skinned newt, and
Naticidae) it is actually produced by certain
symbiotic bacteria, such as
Pseudoalteromonas tetraodonis, certain species of
Pseudomonas and
Vibrio, as well as some others that reside within these animals.