The fish inhabit inshore and near-shore areas, over sand or mud bottoms, the agencies said. Another type of puffer fish, the northern puffer, is more common in Rhode Island waters.

Like other puffer fish, the grass puffer accumulates the neurotoxin TTX to discourage would-be predators. However, grass puffers also accumulate a non-toxic analog of TTX called 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX ...

The fish is then gutted, taking great care not to puncture the ovaries or the liver, where high concentrations of TTX are found. If these organs are punctured, the fish cannot be eaten.

Like other puffer fish, the grass puffer accumulates the neurotoxin TTX to discourage would-be predators. However, grass puffers also accumulate a non-toxic analog of TTX called 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX ...