Spot-fin Porcupinefish

Family: Porcupinefishes (Diodontidae)
Size: Up to 91 cm (3 ft) | Weight: ~2.8 kg
Depth: 2 – 50m (6 – 165ft)
Distribution: Circumtropical (All tropical oceans).

Identification:
The largest of the porcupinefishes, often mistaken for the Balloonfish.

• The “Spot-Fin” Trait: The key identifier is in the name. Unlike the Balloonfish (which has clear fins), the Spot-fin Porcupinefish is covered in small black spots that extend all the way onto its dorsal, pectoral, and tail fins.
• Spines: Its body is covered in sharp spines that lay flat against the body when the fish is calm. When threatened, it inflates with water, causing the spines to stand erect like a medieval mace.

Behavior:
A gentle, wide-eyed giant.

• Nocturnal Hunter: They are solitary and generally nocturnal. During the day, they hide in caves or under ledges. At night, they use their powerful, fused beak-like teeth to crush the hard shells of sea urchins, crabs, and snails.
• Defense: Besides their spines, they concentrate a powerful neurotoxin (tetrodotoxin) in their organs, making them lethal to most predators if eaten.