Puffer fish offer profit without the poison

The export volume accounts for 70 percent of Hebei's total, making it the largest base by volume for raising and exporting puffer fish in the province.

The meat of puffer fish is tender and rich in protein, vitamins and amino acids. However, the fish is also known for its tetrodotoxin, a poison that scares many customers away.

"After being domesticated, it can get rid of the tetrodotoxin under controlled ecological conditions," said Zhao Linzheng, head of the production department at Tangshan Haidu Seafood Co.

Artificial breeding helps prevent the puffers from eating shellfish and algae at sea — a diet that produces toxic substances.