Species Type:
Fishes
Common Name(s):
Spot-fin porcupinefish
Size:
Adult porcupinfish can reach up to 36 inches (91 cm) in length.
Diet:
These fish feed on snails, crabs and sea urchins.
Range & Habitat:
Throughout the Mediterranean Sea, eastern Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and western Atlantic, spot-fin porcupinefish can be found in holes and crevices in coastal coral reefs.
Details:
The spot-fin porcupinefish has a grayish-tan body with a white belly and black spots. When threatened, it inflates, making its sharp spines stand out for defense. With strong beaks, it cracks open sea urchins, crabs, and mollusks. One of the largest spiny puffers, it can grow up to 3 feet and is most active at night, using its large eyes to hunt.