Northern puffer Fishing

Sphoeroides maculatus

3.9-9.8 inch
0.22-1.1 lb

Northern Puffers live in bays and estuaries of the U.S. Atlantic coast. Small and spotted, they inflate when threatened. They feed on crabs, clams, and worms, using beak-like teeth to crush shells. Nicknamed “sugar toads” in Chesapeake Bay, they are surprisingly good eating despite their unassuming, comical appearance.