Fin's Fish Guide
The Blow up (Diodon nicthemerus) is a saltwater fish of the family Diodontidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The slender-spined porcupinefish is a porcupinefish of the family Diodontidae from the temperate waters around southern Australia. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a stocky, yellow-brown body set with numerous long, slender spines. When threatened it inflates itself with water into a spiny ball, raising the spines and deterring predators. It is common in shallow bays and is nocturnal. With its strong beak-like fused jaw plates it crushes hard-shelled prey such as molluscs, crabs and sea urchins. Like related porcupine and pufferfishes it can contain tetrodotoxin; therefore do not eat this fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blow up?
The Blow up has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Set with long, slender spines; inflates into a spiny ball and can contain tetrodotoxin.
Where does the Blow up live?
The Blow up lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Temperate waters around southern Australia; shallow bays.
How big does the Blow up get?
The Blow up grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Blow up dangerous to humans?
The Blow up is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The skin, organs and possibly the flesh can contain the poison tetrodotoxin; do not eat this fish. In case of poisoning (tingling, paralysis) there is no antidote: call emergency services immediately and support breathing.
Is the Blow up edible?
The Blow up is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Blow up?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blow up is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Diodon
More from the family Diodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Blow up?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blow up is one of 12,519 species in the app.