Trunkfish
Lactophrys
Not Kosher
Has fins but no scales
Fins
Yes
Scales
No
Description
Trunkfish live in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans at middle latitudes, with the buffalo trunkfish found mainly in Florida waters and ranging as far north as Cape Cod. Their hexagonal plate-like scales are fused into a solid, box-like carapace.
Warnings & Kosher Issues
- Has fins but its plate-like scales are fused into a rigid bony carapace rather than the loose, removable scales kosher law requires, so it is not kosher.
- Trunkfish of the genus Lactophrys secrete the skin toxin pahutoxin into the water when stressed.