fishrock
dive centre
porcupine fish
dive centre
- Porcupinefish are fish of the family Diodontidae, (order Tetraodontiformes), also commonly called blowfish (and, sometimes, "balloonfish", pufferfish and "globefish
- Porcupinefish have the ability to inflate their body by swallowing water (or air) and become round like a ball. This increase in size (almost double vertically) reduces the range of potential predators to those with much bigger mouths. A second defense mechanism is provided by the sharp spines, which radiate outwards when the fish is inflated. Some species are poisonous, having a tetrodotoxin in their skin and/or intestines
- Habitat: Sheltered and moderately exposed reef, sand; 0 – 50 m depth
- Maximum size: Length to 280 mm