Pufferfish in Stardew Valley: How to Catch, Use, and Profit

In Stardew Valley, fishing is an essential skill that helps players earn money, complete bundles, and even befriend villagers. One of the trickiest fish to catch is the Pufferfish, a rare and valuable sea fish that has multiple uses. If you’re struggling to find or catch a Pufferfish, this guide will cover everything you need to know, from its location and best fishing strategies to its in-game uses and profits.

Where to Find Pufferfish in Stardew Valley

The Pufferfish is not available all year round, making it one of the more challenging fish to catch. Here’s where and when you can find it:

• Location: The Ocean (near the beach)
• Season: Summer (but can also be found in Winter through the Traveling Cart)
• Time: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (only in the afternoon)
• Weather: Sunny days only

Unlike many fish that are available in the morning or evening, the Pufferfish only appears in the middle of the day and requires sunny weather. This makes it slightly harder to catch, especially since you have only a four-hour window per day.

Alternative Ways to Get a Pufferfish

If you don’t want to fish for it, there are a few other ways to obtain a Pufferfish:

• Traveling Cart – Sometimes sells Pufferfish for 600g to 1,000g. Check on Fridays and Sundays.
• Garbage Cans – Rarely, you might find one while searching trash bins around Pelican Town.
• Statue of Endless Fortune – This expensive statue can randomly give you a Pufferfish on Demetrius’s birthday (Summer 19).

If you’re struggling to catch a Pufferfish naturally, the Traveling Cart is your best bet. However, it’s not always in stock, so patience is key.

Best Fishing Strategies for Catching a Pufferfish

1. Use the Right Fishing Rod

To improve your chances of catching a Pufferfish, use an Iridium Rod with bait and tackle. Since Pufferfish can be difficult to reel in, using a Trap Bobber will slow down their escape speed, making them easier to catch.

2. Increase Your Fishing Skill

A higher Fishing Level makes it easier to catch difficult fish like the Pufferfish. If you’re struggling, try eating foods that boost fishing skills, such as:

• Dish o’ The Sea (+3 Fishing Skill)
• Seafoam Pudding (+4 Fishing Skill, best option!)

3. Fish on the Right Day

Since Pufferfish only appears on sunny summer afternoons, check the weather forecast the night before. If you see rain, you’ll need to wait for another day.

4. Choose the Best Fishing Spot

Fishing at the far end of the beach pier gives you the best chance to catch ocean fish, including the Pufferfish. Avoid shallow waters, as deeper spots increase the likelihood of finding rare fish.

How to Use Pufferfish in Stardew Valley

Once you’ve caught a Pufferfish, you might wonder what to do with it. Here are the most important uses:

1. Community Center – Specialty Fish Bundle

If you’re completing the Community Center, you’ll need a Pufferfish for the Specialty Fish Bundle in the Fish Tank. Completing this bundle unlocks the Dish o’ The Sea recipe and rewards you with five Dish o’ The Sea meals (which boost Fishing Skill).

2. Gifts for Villagers

Pufferfish is a loved gift by Abigail and a liked gift by Willy and Linus. However, be careful—most other villagers hate or dislike it!

• Best recipient: Abigail (she loves it!)
• Do NOT give to: Caroline, Elliott, Evelyn, Leah, Pierre, and many others (they hate it).

3. Crafting and Recipes

The Pufferfish is used in one cooking recipe:

• Quality Fertilizer – Used to increase crop quality when mixed with sap.

4. Tailoring and Decorations

Pufferfish can be used in the Sewing Machine to make a bright Yellow Shirt. It can also be placed in fish tanks inside your home for decoration.

How Much is a Pufferfish Worth? (Selling Prices & Profits)

The Pufferfish is a valuable fish, especially if you catch higher-quality versions. Here’s how much you can sell it for:

If you have the Fisher profession, Pufferfish sells for 25% more, while the Angler profession increases its price by 50%. If you manage to catch an Iridium-quality Pufferfish with the Angler bonus, you can sell it for a whopping 600g!

How to Farm Pufferfish in a Fish Pond

If you want a steady supply of Pufferfish, you can place one in a Fish Pond on your farm. Over time, it will multiply, allowing you to collect roe and increase profits.

Here’s how it works:

• Pufferfish reproduce every 3 days (after reaching population 3).
• The Fish Pond max population is 3, but you can increase it with quests.
• Produces Orange Roe, which can be processed into Aged Roe for more money.

While Pufferfish farming is possible, it’s not the best fish for profit. If you want to maximize income, consider using a Sturgeon or Lava Eel pond instead.

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Fun Facts About Pufferfish in Stardew Valley

• Pufferfish is one of the few fish that can poison you in real life! While Stardew Valley doesn’t include this danger, real-world Pufferfish contain toxins that can be deadly if not prepared correctly.
• Abigail’s love for Pufferfish is unique. She’s one of the only villagers who enjoys receiving this fish as a gift.
• The Pufferfish has a similar catch pattern to the Octopus. It moves erratically, making it one of the harder fish to reel in.

Final Thoughts: Is Catching a Pufferfish Worth It?

Catching a Pufferfish in Stardew Valley can be tricky due to its limited time window and erratic movements, but it’s a valuable fish for several reasons. Whether you need it for the Community Center, want to gift it to Abigail, or plan to sell it for profit, it’s worth the effort to catch at least a few.

If you’re struggling to reel one in, consider using a Trap Bobber, boosting your Fishing Level, or simply buying one from the Traveling Cart. With the right strategy, you’ll have no trouble collecting this rare and useful fish!