FamilyDiodontidaeAlso known asSpotted porcupinefish, Common porcupinefishDescriptionThe porcupinefish is a large, round-bodied fish covered in dark spots and long spines that normally lie flat against the body but erect when the fish inflates itself as a defense mechanism. It has large, striking eyes and a beak-like fused dental plate used to crush hard-shelled invertebrates like mollusks, sea urchins, and crustaceans. It is typically a nocturnal feeder that rests in crevices or near the reef bottom during the day.HabitatFound circumtropically in tropical and subtropical marine waters, typically on coral reefs, rocky reefs, and sandy/rubble areas from shallow water down to about 50 meters depth.Conservation statusLeast ConcernNotesThe fish is resting on the sandy bottom under a reef overhang, a typical daytime behavior. Two small cleaner wrasse (likely Labroides dimidiatus) are visible near the dorsal area of the fish, suggesting a cleaning station interaction. Image quality is good with adequate lighting.Creatures detected5 in frame- Porcupinefishfish
- Bluestreak cleaner wrassefish
- Bluestreak cleaner wrassefish
- Encrusting sponge / coralline algae on reefinvertebrate
- Coral rubblecoral
