Porcupine Puffer (Diodon holocanthus)
Fish in the family Diodontidae. Expert care. Not Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
Yellowish-tan body covered entirely with long, sharp spines that inflate dramatically when threatened. Rounded body shape with large eyes and a beak-like mouth; distinguished from other puffers by the prominent spiny coverage and absence of dark bands or spots on the body.
Diet and feeding
Feed hard-shelled invertebrates such as snails, clams, and sea urchins to maintain proper jaw function and prevent overgrowth of the beak. Offer a varied diet of frozen crustaceans and occasional live prey.
Difficulty and care for the Porcupine Puffer
Moderate - Requires large tank and specialized diet. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial infections, Parasitic infestations, Overgrown teeth
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to Hawaii, including the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, and the tropical central Pacific.
Keeper notes
Will eat invertebrates and may nip at corals. Requires hard-shelled foods to prevent tooth overgrowth. Can be messy eaters.
Log Porcupine Puffer in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Porcupine Puffer alongside everything else in your reef.
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