Fin's Fish Guide
The Spot-fin porcupinefish (Diodon hystrix) is a saltwater fish of the family Diodontidae that grows up to 91 cm.
Widespread in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide, near reefs and rocky bottoms of shallow coastal water.
Description
The spot-fin porcupinefish is a large porcupinefish of the family Diodontidae reaching about 91 cm - one of the largest of the family. The brown body is covered with long, normally flat-lying spines and small black spots, with a black band across the eyes. When threatened the fish pumps itself up with water into a large ball, raising the spines erect and becoming unswallowable to most predators. With its jaws fused into a strong beak it crushes shellfish, sea urchins, snails and crabs. The species lives near reefs and rocky bottoms of shallow coastal water in tropical seas worldwide. Like many puffers and porcupinefishes its skin and organs may contain the poison tetrodotoxin; it should not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spot-fin porcupinefish?
The Spot-fin porcupinefish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Large porcupinefish with long spines over the whole body and small black spots; inflates itself into a large spiny ball when threatened.
Where does the Spot-fin porcupinefish live?
The Spot-fin porcupinefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Widespread in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide, near reefs and rocky bottoms of shallow coastal water.
How big does the Spot-fin porcupinefish get?
The Spot-fin porcupinefish grows to a maximum of about 91 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Spot-fin porcupinefish dangerous to humans?
The Spot-fin porcupinefish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The skin and organs may contain the nerve poison tetrodotoxin: this fish should not be eaten. The spines can cause puncture wounds.
Is the Spot-fin porcupinefish edible?
The Spot-fin porcupinefish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Spot-fin porcupinefish and live in the same waters.
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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 Spot-fin porcupinefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spot-fin porcupinefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.