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Who?
Family: Diodontidae
pecies: Diodon hystrix
Species ID: D.DHb
Description: A fish with large eyes (1), a wide flattened mouth (2), and large, rounded fins. This species has a uniformly dull brown to green back, with a pale mouth and belly, and is covered in small dark spots extending onto the fins (3). The short, sharp spines (4) characteristic of the porcupinefish, lie flat against its body, standing on end only during inflation. Sexes appear similar and juveniles resemble adults
Maximum size: 91 cm (36 in)
Longevity: At least 10 years, possibly up to 15
Status: Not currently on the IUCN endangered species list
Porcupinefish & People: Given its toxic nature, this species is not caught for food. It is however, occasionally fished for public aquaria and as a curiosity souvenir
Where?
Geographical Range: Occasional to common in shallow reef areas throughout the worlds tropical seas
Coral Reef Zone: Porcupinefish are found in the back reef, fore-reef and drop-off zones
Favourite Habitat: Porcupinefish prefer structurally complex reefs, with plenty of holes and caves to hide in
Depth Range: 2–50 m (7–160 ft)
A Day in The Life
Dawn: Nocturnal feeding declines and fish find shelter for the day
Day: Porcupinefish hide in shallow caves or under ledges
Dusk: Porcupinefish emerge from shelters to forage. Spawning may also occur
Night: Porcupinefish actively forage for small crustaceans
Who Eats Who?
The porcupinefish feeds mainly on hard-shelled invertebrates like shrimp, crabs, urchins, snails and clams. As an adult, the porcupinefish has few natural predators due to its large size, toxicity, and ability to inflate. Juveniles, however, are preyed upon by a variety of large predators in the open ocean including dolphinfish, wahoo, and marlin.
Scuba Diver & Snorkeler Best Practices
Don’t disturb the wildlife. Porcupinefish may inflate if harassed. It is important to realize that although inflation is a natural antipredator response, it is extremely stressful for the fish, requiring a great deal of energy and rendering the fish immobile until it can deflate. Under no circumstances should inflation be provoked on purpose. Always remember that you should never touch or otherwise interfere with marine life – remember the maxim: “Take only photographs and leave only bubbles.”
