Porcupinefish
Diodon hystrix
Linnaeus, 1758
Description:
Body with a truncated head, with an olive to brown back, shading to white on the belly. Can pale or darken. The fish is able to inflate itself. Long spines only erect in inflated condition. Small dark spots over the entire body and fins (D. hystrix 3).
Size up to 91 cm.
Habitat:
Occurs in lagoons and seaward reefs to at least 50 m. Commonly seen in caves and holes in shallow reefs (D. hystrix). Adults benthic, solitary and nocturnal that feed on hard shelled invertebrates.
Juveniles pelagic to about 20 cm.
Distribution:
Occasionally Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean.