Spot-Fin Porcupinefish

Diodon hystrix

Spot-Fin Porcupinefish

When threatened it gulps water and swells into a spiny ball, raising sharp spines that lie flat at rest. The spot fin porcupinefish hides in reef caves and holes by day and comes out at night to crush sea urchins, snails and hermit crabs with its fused beak. Its flesh can be poisonous to eat.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Tetraodontiformes › Diodontidae › Diodon

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 127403.

FAQ

How deep does the Spot-Fin Porcupinefish live?
The Spot-Fin Porcupinefish (Diodon hystrix) is typically found at 2–50 m.
Is the Spot-Fin Porcupinefish dangerous to divers?
The Spot-Fin Porcupinefish is harmless to divers.
How big does the Spot-Fin Porcupinefish get?
The Spot-Fin Porcupinefish grows to about 91 cm.