The Spotted Porcupinefish is instantly recognisable by the long spines that cover its stocky body—normally held flat but erected when the fish inflates itself with water as a defence. Growing to around 90 cm, it inhabits rocky reefs and coastal areas across tropical and subtropical seas. Divers encounter it during day and night, though it tends toward crevices and sheltered spots. The inflated defence is memorable and sometimes fatal to the fish: resist the temptation to provoke it.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Teleostei
- Order
- Tetraodontiformes
- Family
- Diodontidae
- Genus
- Diodon
Most likely to be seen at
Sites where its range and habitat make it likely — not yet confirmed by a logged sighting.