Top Smooth Puffer Fishing Countries

The Top Smooth Puffer (Lagocephalus laevigatus) is a large, migratory pufferfish found in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the coasts of the Americas and West Africa. Recognizable by its smooth, scaleless skin and robust body, this species can reach up to 100 cm in length. While not a primary target for commercial fisheries due to its toxic flesh (containing tetrodotoxin), it is occasionally caught as bycatch in trawl and gillnet fisheries. The main countries where Top Smooth Puffer is harvested include the United States (especially in the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and several West African nations such as Senegal and Ghana. In these regions, the fish is sometimes processed for fishmeal or used locally, but strict regulations govern its sale and consumption due to the risk of poisoning. The fishing industry for this species is relatively small compared to other commercial fish, but it remains notable in areas where bycatch is significant and where local knowledge allows for safe handling and utilization.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.