Species learning profile
Spot-fin porcupinefish
Diodon hystrix
Spot-fin porcupinefish (Diodon hystrix) is a saltwater fish associated with reef habitat in Global. Inflation raises long spines that normally lie flat.
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At a glance
- Eau
- Eau salée
- Habitat
- Récif
- Longueur maximale
- 91 cm
- Répartition
- Monde entier
- Famille
- Diodontidae
- Ordre
- Tetraodontiformes
Observe
How to identify Spot-fin porcupinefish
- Inflation raises long spines that normally lie flat.
- Guide context: reef habitat in Global.
- Reported maximum length: 91 cm — up to about the length of a guitar. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with reef habitat across Global. Reef crevices provide shelter while current, coral, algae, and neighboring animals supply food.
Behavior
Forages at night with fused beak-like teeth
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Sea urchins, molluscs, and crabs.
Ecological role
Crushes hard-shelled reef animals.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
Spot-fin porcupinefish peut atteindre environ 91 cm et vit souvent près de Récif.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
Reef fish are affected by coral loss, warming, destructive fishing, pollution, and the removal of key grazers or predators.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with Spot-fin porcupinefish in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
Make connections