Common name: Spot-fin porcupinefish
General information
The Porcupine Pufferfish, scientifically known as Diodon hystrix, is a charismatic and easily recognizable species in the marine aquarium trade. Its most notable feature is the ability to inflate its body into a ball shape when threatened, a defense mechanism that relies on ingesting water or air to deter predators. The body is covered with sharp spines that stand erect during inflation. This species is also known for its inquisitive nature and expressive eyes, which make it a favorite among aquarists.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 750 liter (200 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 27 °C (72 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 60 cm (2′)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Needs large space to swim
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys variety of meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Can be aggressive, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at or consume inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Territorial, may bully smaller fish
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPufferfishTetraodontiformes
- FamilyPorcupinefishDiodontidae
- GenusPorcupinefishDiodon
- SpeciesSpot-fin porcupinefishDiodon hystrix Linnaeus, 1758
- SynonymsDiodon armillatus Whitley, 1933Diodon brachiatus Bloch & Schneider, 1801Diodon hystrax Linnaeus, 1758Diodon hystris Linnaeus, 1758Diodon nudifrons Jenkins, 1903Diodon punctatus Cuvier, 1818Diodon spinosissimus Cuvier, 1818Diodon totara Curtiss, 1938Paradiodon hystrix (Linnaeus, 1758)
Care
Porcupine Pufferfish require a spacious tank to accommodate their size, which can reach up to 35 centimeters (14 inches) in length. They are not reef-safe as they have a tendency to nip at and consume various invertebrates and some corals. A fish-only or species-specific tank is recommended. They thrive on a varied diet that includes meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and clams, and they also benefit from hard-shelled foods to help wear down their ever-growing teeth.
Reproduction
In the home aquarium, breeding Porcupine Pufferfish is extremely rare. In the wild, they engage in a pelagic spawning where eggs and sperm are released into the water column. The larvae are planktonic and drift until they mature.
Habitat
Porcupine Pufferfish are found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. They prefer reef environments, seagrass beds, and rocky outcrops where they can find shelter and food. They are typically solitary and have a large home range.
Geographical distribution includes the Indo-Pacific region, the Red Sea, East Africa, and across the Pacific to the eastern coast of Central America.