Porcupine Puffer Fish

Porcupine puffer fish of the Diodontidae family is indigenous to the tropical regions of all the major oceans and seas. The several spiny appendages on their body, alongside the spots, give these fish a unique appearance indeed. These reef-safe species are easy-to-maintain and have an innate ability to engage and interact with humans, thus gaining immense popularity in the aquarium trade.

Quick Information

Scientific Name	Diodon holocanthus
Other Names	Porcupine puffer, long-spine porcupinefish, freckled porcupinefish
Origin	Tropical regions of the Atlantic Ocean (Florida and Bahamas up to Brazil, and then the eastern parts till South Africa), western Indian Ocean (the south Red Sea up to Madagascar and Mauritius), Pacific Ocean
Type	Saltwater fish
Conservation Status	Least Concern (by the IUCN)
Behavioral Characteristics	Intelligent, and friendly, but semi-aggressive, sometimes indulging in nipping its tank mates
School Size	2 – 3
Physical Traits (What do they look like)	Spiny appendages covering its entire body teamed with dark spots; big-sized teeth that remain fused into a beak-like structure, large pectoral fin mostly helping in movement but no pelvic fin
Colors	Pale body with light gray or mottled tan spiny projections and large or small black blotches or spots (though some have claimed to see a blue variety, its availability is rare and also under speculation)
Size (How big do they get)	About 30 cm (12 inches)
Lifespan	10 – 15 years
Sexual Dimorphism	Not prominent
Probable Diseases	Marine ich or white spot disease
Approximate Price (How much are they for)	$60

Tank Setup & Care Sheet Details

Care Level	Intermediate
Tank Size	180 gallons (681 liters) for a single adult porcupine puffer fish

Water Parameters

pH Level	7.6 – 8.2
Temperature	75 – 80°F
Hardness	10 – 15 dGH
Aquarium Water Flow	Low

Tank Ambience

Lighting	Moderate
Substrate Type	Rocks, soft and muddy substrates, plants
Tank Mates	Compatible with: They mostly get along well with big fish species like angelfish, wrasses, tangs, foxfish, engineer gobies, and squirrelfish Incompatible with: Small fish species, those with long fins (since the porcupine puffer is a fin-nipper) alongside invertebrates likecrabs, squids, and shrimps
Suitable Position in the Tank	Bottom

Feeding

Diet  (What do they eat)	Meaty foods like hard-shelled shrimp, squid, clam, and krill, alongside flakes and pellets
Frequency	2 – 3 times a day

Important Things To Know For Fish Keepers

• Since their teeth keep growing throughout their life, it is essential to ground them down by providing the fish with hard food. Exceptionally long teeth would make it difficult for the porcupine puffers to eat, resulting in starvation in extreme cases.
• They are one unique kind that often attracts their master’s attention for food by performing several amusing antics. As a fishkeeper, you should not always give in to their demands, as overfeeding may lead to many health issues.
• There is not much to worry about if you find your porcupine puffer lying at the bottom of the fish tank. Most of them, especially the older ones, consider it as their resting place. However, if you find it remaining still and not eating, you need to consult a fish vet or try making a partial water change.
• They blow or puff up when tensed or sensing danger, their long spines getting erect them. Don’t attempt to disturb or touch them during such a time, as you may end up injuring yourself from their spines.

FAQs