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Porcupinefish

Diodon hystrix

Photo by PieterHartog
Published on Project Noah
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9.64067, -84.6838

Field Notes

Description:

Long spines which can be erected all over the body. Upper body gray, lower body white. Large eyes, high on the head.

Habitat:

During the day mostly hides in caves or holes in the reef. Can be found between 9 and 36 metres depth, mostly solitary. Feeds at night on sea urchins & crabs. In Eastern Pacific from southern California to Chile.

Notes:

Shy but curious, if harassed may bite divers. When threatened will inflate by drawing in water, turning into a big ball of spines

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Photographed
PublishedJanuary 14, 2012

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