Their skin is dotted with spines, which stick out in response to danger, and the effect is enhanced by the
fish puffing out its body to impress its foe. Porcupine fish are considered easy to acclimatize, but they
do not tolerate members of their own species. They feed
on mussels and small shellfish - complete with shell -
which they can munch thanks to their strong teeth.
• Diodon hystrix
It is best not to put invertebrates in a
tank with the common porcupine fish
as there is a chance it might find them
appetizing. It may eat shrimps, small crabs,
or mussels out of your hand - but watch
out for its teeth! Sadly, this fish is
sometimes sold, dried and bloated, as a
decorative object, or even as a lampshade!
It can grow to 90 cm in the wild.
