Spiny Pufferfish (Diodon Holocanthus)

Species Name : Diodon Holocanthus

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color Form : Tan, Yellow, Black

Diet : Omnivore

Reef Compatible : No

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 1'

Origin : Mexico

Family : Diodontidae

Minimum Tank Size : 180 gallons

The Spiny Pufferfish (Diodon Holocanthus)  is also known as the Porcupine Puffer or Porcupine Pufferfish.

Its body is robust, round in cross section with the head and most of the body the same diameter tapering to the caudal peduncle and relatively small caudal fin. The face is flat except for the protrusive lips that are supported by large, fused, front teeth that form a heavy beak-like structure. Its eyes are large and set well forward on the head. The Spiney Pufferfish lacks pelvic fins but has learned to use the pectoral fins to move about. They are generally slow-moving. The background color varies from brown to light brown with darker brown and yellowish spots scattered all over the body and interspersed with black spots. A distinctive feature is a brown spot above and below each eye.

Porcupinefish have the ability to inflate their bodies by swallowing water or air, thereby becoming rounder. This increase in size (almost double vertically) reduces the range of potential predators to those with much bigger mouths. A second defense mechanism is provided by the sharp spines, which radiate outwards when the fish is inflated. The porcupine puffer fish is not a small species. In the wild, Pufferfish tend to be nocturnal hunters.

A 180 gallon or larger, fish-only aquarium with a good protein skimmer is a suitable home. Filtration must be efficient to cope with the voracious eating habits and large amounts of waste that these fish produce, yet water movement should not be too vigorous. Provide plenty of hiding places but be sure to also leave your porcupine puffer fish some room to swim.

Tankmates must be of similar size and temperament e.g. large angelfish, large tangs, triggerfish etc. It may be aggressive at times, nipping the fins of tank mates and leaving a circular hole as its mark. It will eat invertebrates found in a reef aquarium. 

Very difficult to determine the differences between males and females. This species has not been bred in the home aquarium. 

Though shy and refusing food on initial introduction, it will become bold, if not spoiled. They usually learn to interact with their human caregivers in odd and appealing ways; some even respond to eye contact by swimming up and begging for food. Feed a varied diet consisting of large chunks of meaty foods. These foods include krill, raw table shrimp, squid, clam and mussel. It is also a good idea to occasionally supplement with some type of herbivore diet.

Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Small/Medium: 2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Medium/Large: 4" to 5"; Large: 5" to 6"