Beneath the waves of Onset Bay, mysterious creatures lurk in the deep… and occasionally show their seemingly smiling faces above the surface.

The Wareham Department of Natural Resources shared photos on Friday of a Northern Puffer that was caught and released off the pier.

When feeling threatened, Northern Puffers puff up full of air or water and float on the surface. 

These fish grow to be about 10 inches long, with small fins. The south coast of Massachusetts is the northern edge of the fish’s habitat.
Puffers eat all kinds of small crustaceans, especially crabs and shrimp, and tend to stay close to the shoreline.

This species of puffer is not poisonous.