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Species · Lookalikes

Southern PufferorNorthern Puffer

Two fish anglers mix up. Here is what separates them, and what each one’s rules are in your state.

Studio photograph of a Southern Puffer (Sphoeroides nephelus), side view, on a white background
Southern PufferSphoeroides nephelus
Studio photograph of a Northern Puffer (Sphoeroides maculatus), side view, on a white background
Northern PufferSphoeroides maculatus

Rules for both fish from 2 state rulebooks, checked Oct 29, 2026. Every rule names its source and the day it was last checked; the official rulebook is the final word.

How to tell them apart

Southern Puffer

Smooth tan puffer with faint rings and blotches; inflates when annoyed.

Northern Puffer

Inflates; olive back, tiny mouth.

Northern puffer, next to southern puffer: tiny black pepper-grain spots, northern.

Side by side

Southern PufferNorthern Puffer
Scientific nameSphoeroides nephelusSphoeroides maculatus
Also called——
WatersInshoreInshore
Heaviest state record—1 lb 5 oz · New York (2020)
On the tableNO — Florida puffers have caused serious saxitoxin poisonings.The 'sea squab' — edible unlike southern puffers, but only if you're CERTAIN of the species; when in doubt, no.
Rules of its own in2 states2 states

Rules for

Every state, both fish

Where either fish has a rule, the two are regulated the same. The name still goes in the log and on the tally.

StateSouthern Puffer: size · bag · seasonNorthern Puffer: size · bag · season
Florida (Atlantic)No size limitBanned in 5 east-coast counties · elsewhere 2 fish or 100 lbBanned in Volusia–Martin counties (toxin)CheckFWC, Fla. Admin. Code r. 68B-3.007 · checked No size limitBanned in 5 east-coast counties · elsewhere 2 fish or 100 lbBanned in Volusia–Martin counties (toxin)CheckFWC, Fla. Admin. Code r. 68B-3.007 · checked
Florida (Gulf)No size limitBanned in 5 east-coast counties · elsewhere 2 fish or 100 lbBanned in Volusia–Martin counties (toxin)CheckFWC, Fla. Admin. Code r. 68B-3.007 · checked No size limitBanned in 5 east-coast counties · elsewhere 2 fish or 100 lbBanned in Volusia–Martin counties (toxin)CheckFWC, Fla. Admin. Code r. 68B-3.007 · checked

In the app

Point the camera at the fish and Chum names it before you take the picture, southern puffer or northern puffer, with the right rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed.

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Questions anglers ask

How do you tell southern puffer from northern puffer?

Southern Puffer: Smooth tan puffer with faint rings and blotches; inflates when annoyed. Northern Puffer: Inflates; olive back, tiny mouth. Northern puffer, next to southern puffer: tiny black pepper-grain spots, northern.

Which is better to eat, southern puffer or northern puffer?

Southern Puffer: NO — Florida puffers have caused serious saxitoxin poisonings. Northern Puffer: The 'sea squab' — edible unlike southern puffers, but only if you're CERTAIN of the species; when in doubt, no.

Do southern puffer and northern puffer have the same limits?

Yes, in every state that regulates either one. The table on this page lists each rule with its source and check date.