Pufferfish
Inflates when threatened. Despite its cute appearance, this fish contains deadly toxins that make it dangerous to prepare incorrectly.
Quick answer
Where to catch Pufferfish in Stardew Valley
Catch Pufferfish at Ocean during Summer from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM in sunny weather. It sells for 200g at normal quality and 400g when smoked; difficulty 80 makes tackle preparation important.
Ocean
Summer
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, sunny weather
200g base, 400g iridium
130g Roe -> 260g Aged Roe
Cork Bobber or Trap Bobber
Keep one for Specialty Fish Bundle or Abigail
Is Pufferfish worth keeping?
Keep at least one Pufferfish for the Specialty Fish Bundle, and another if you want a loved Abigail gift. The short sunny Summer window makes replacements annoying.
When to sell or smoke it
Sell or smoke extras if you can catch them reliably. At 200g base value it is worthwhile, but it competes with a very short fishing window.
Fish Pond and Roe
A Pufferfish pond is mostly a utility or collection choice. For gold, compare it against easier high-value pond fish before committing space. Formula value: 130g Roe, then 260g Aged Roe.
Best route
What to do with Pufferfish
Go to the Ocean on sunny Summer days and fish from noon to 4 PM. Use tackle or fishing food if your fishing level is low because difficulty 80 punishes sloppy attempts.
Short Summer window
Required for the Specialty Fish Bundle and loved by Abigail.
Arriving in the morning or on rainy days wastes the trip. Pufferfish is a narrow sunny-afternoon target.
Where & When to Find Pufferfish
Location
- Ocean
Can be caught in the ocean during sunny summer days. It's fairly rare and requires precise timing.
Time & Conditions
Difficulty & Catching Strategy
Difficulty: 80
HardChallenging catch requiring skill
Floater Behavior
Tends to rise toward the top of the bar. Will occasionally drop down.
Tip: Keep your bar high and be ready for sudden drops.
Expert Tips for Pufferfish
This fish is notoriously difficult to catch due to its erratic movement. Consider using a Trap Bobber to make it easier. Only appears during a 4-hour window on sunny summer days.
Recommended Tackle
Cork Bobber
Larger fishing bar
Best for: Hard fish like legendaries
Trap Bobber
Slower catch bar drain
Best for: Difficult fish that move a lot
Tackle requires an Iridium Rod. Purchase from Willy's shop at Fishing Level 6.
Sell Prices by Quality
| Quality | Price |
|---|---|
| Normal | 200g |
| Silver | 250g |
| Gold | 300g |
| Iridium | 400g |
Smoked Fish Value
The Fish Smoker uses 1 Coal and doubles the fish sell price while preserving quality. Fisher or Angler changes the fish value first; Artisan then increases the smoked product.
| Input Quality | Fish Value | Smoked Value |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 200g | 400g |
| Silver | 250g | 500g |
| Gold | 300g | 600g |
| Iridium | 400g | 800g |
Formula: fish sell price x 2. See the formula audit for source notes.
Uses for Pufferfish
- Loved gift for Abigail
- Pufferfish Sashimi (cooking)
Did You Know?
In real life, pufferfish (fugu) is a delicacy in Japan but requires special preparation to remove its deadly poison.