Puffer over a Barrel #2

8 x 10"

oil on stretched canvas

Another view, from one of the eight photos I took. I try to get as many images as I can when I get an opportunity like this. But I always stop and turn and swim away when the fish becomes nervous about my presence and attention. Puffers are shy. But they must get tired of cowering in dark places, and so come out to enjoy just being up in the water.

This fish and his relatives are the fish that the Japanese serve as "Fugu", a slightly hallucinogenic dish. Puffers have also been found to be the source that Voodoo doctors in Haiti use to make people into zombies. One bite too much, and you'll go into a coma, or even die. Please pass me the peas!