An assay of the toxicity of the Atlantic puffer fish, Spheroides maculatus

Skin, muscle, liver, and gonadal extracts of the Atlantic puffer, Spheroides maculatus were assayed for toxicity in white mice. Extracts were injected intraperitoneally and were administered in the amounts of 1 ml per 20 g of body weight. The LD₅₀ of a composite skin extract, administered intraperitoneally in progressive doses per 20 g of body weight, was determined for white rats, white mice, chicks and frogs (Rana pipiens), while a LD₅₀ of a composite muscle extract was determined for the pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides.