Spotted porcupinefish (Diodon hystrix) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 2–50 m.
Scientific name: Diodon hystrix · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 91 cm
The spotted porcupinefish is a diodontid that occurs in lagoon and seaward reefs to at least 50 m and is commonly seen in caves and holes in shallow reefs; juveniles up to about 20 cm are pelagic while the adults are benthic, and it is solitary and nocturnal, feeding on hard-shelled invertebrates such as sea urchins, gastropods and hermit crabs. It is generally common and is not normally used as food. Maximum length is about 91 cm total length, commonly about 40 cm. It is a minor commercial species, a gamefish and a commercial aquarium fish. Fishing vulnerability is high at 55 of 100 and resilience low. IUCN lists it as least concern.
Caution: contains tetrodotoxin. Never prepare or eat this fish yourself; handling and eating must follow the local food-safety rules.
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