January 2005 Guess the Fish Contest Answer & Winner This month's fish is a northern puffer, commonly called a blowfish, swellfish, and the globefish, the puffer derives its name from its ability to inflate its body with air or water by means of a sac, which is a ventral extension of the stomach. When alarmed or touched, the puffer quickly expands to a large size until it is almost globular;this protects the puffer from its enemies. When left alone it soon deflates. It occurs from Cape Cod to Florida, where a similar species, the southern puffer, replaces it. An inshore species, the northern puffer is seldom caught in water more than a few fathoms deep. They are primarily bottom feeders and eats shrimps, crabs, amphipods, isopods, mollusks, worms, sea urchins, and other invertibrates. They spawn from mid-May thru June according to location, the eggs sinking and adhering to any object. Puffers only 1/2 inch long can inflate themselves to a greater extent than the adult, until the expanded skin completely hides the anal and dorsal fins. Puffers are caught incidental to some other bottom species and are often considered a nusiance because of their ability to strip a bait from the hook. Ocassionally, they will also strike artificial lures. The northern puffer is highly regarded as a table fish and is sold comercially as sea squab. They used to be caught by the dozens around NJ in years past some people did target them as they are very tasty. The viscera(internal organs) and skin of the fish are toxic and should not be eaten and the roe should never be eaten. No problem here! This month's guess the fish winner is Bob Ever from Broomall, PA.