Northern Puffer Statistics
The stats on this page are for northern puffer (Sphoeroides maculatus). If you are looking for general fishing information, check out our page for Northern Puffer.
| Record | Location | Weight | Date | Angler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NJ Retired State Record | Delaware Bay | 1 lb 14 oz | 1987 | Virginia Patten |
| NY State Record | n/a | 1.34 lb | 10/3/2020 | Matt Warshaw |
| IGFA World Record | Barnegat Bay | 1 lb | 9/02/2023 | Jonathan Cavaliere |
| Record | Location | Length | Date | Angler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT C&R State Record | Hammonasset | 10 inches | 2017 | Evan Kamoen |
| Record | Length |
|---|---|
| NY Annual Marine Award min length | 8.5 inches |
Northern Puffer Migration Timing
Spawning time begins in late spring in the Cheasapkea Bay and shifts later in the year as you move northward. The spring migration consists of movement from deeper offshore water to nearshore water. The fall migration consists of movement from nearshore to deeper offshore water.
Northern Puffer Water Temperature
The Northern Puffer is a temperate species with seasonal migrations to favorable water temperatures. Its winter strategy is to head to deeper offshore water and remain quiescent. The reasonable range for larval and juveniles is about 60-80F. The reasonable range for adults (1 year and older) is about 50-85F. They cannot survive long term at 87-90F on the high end. They can survive at 50F if they have been acclimatized. On the low end they cannot survive temps 46F and below.
Northern Puffer Salinity
The salinity range for the species is about 6 to 34 o/oo (parts per thousand).
Northern Puffer Lifespan
Northern puffers spawn in nearshore water with demersal eggs. Juvineille puffers can be found in the intertidal zone. One year old puffers are sexually mature. Maximum age unknown, most samples collected are from age 0 to 4. The bulk of fish you can expect to catch is usually one year old in 4 to 9 inch range.
Northern Puffer Growth Rate
Generalized growth rate estimates:
By one year old at least 3.5 inches.
Up to 7 inches for the fastest growers.
By two years old at least 6 inches.
Up to 11 inches for the fastest growers.
The largest specimens at least 3 years old.
References
International Game Fish Association
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
National Marine Fisheries Service and NOAA