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Spotted porcupinefish
spotted porcupinefish (foreground)
spotted porcupinefish (background)
large pink encrusting sponge
3 creatures detected
1600 × 1197 · 213 KB compressed · 0.36 MB original

Spotted porcupinefish

Diodon hystrix

HIGH
Family
Diodontidae
Also known as
Common porcupinefish, Porcupine puffer
Description
The spotted porcupinefish is a large, globose fish covered in long, sharp spines and distinctive black spots on a pale golden-brown body. It possesses a beak-like fused dentition used to crush hard-shelled invertebrates such as mollusks, sea urchins, and crabs. Its large, iridescent eyes and ability to inflate its body with water are key defensive adaptations.
Habitat
Found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide, typically on coral reefs, rocky reefs, and seagrass beds from shallow waters down to about 50 meters depth. Common in the Indo-Pacific, Atlantic, and Caribbean regions.
Conservation status
Least Concern
Notes
Two individuals are clearly visible, both exhibiting the characteristic large iridescent eyes and spine-covered bodies of Diodon hystrix. The individuals appear to be in close proximity, possibly interacting socially or territorially. The background features a large pink/salmon sponge. Image quality is good with clear detail on both subjects.
Creatures detected3 in frame
  • spotted porcupinefish (foreground)fish
  • spotted porcupinefish (background)fish
  • large pink encrusting spongeinvertebrate