Porcupine Fish

Description
The porcupine fish is also called the "spotted spiny puffer;" there are approximately 15 species. They have a round, elongated body, large at the head, gradually tapering to thin at the tail. Their top body coloration is olive to brown black with a white belly. There are small, dark spots all over the body and fins. Sizes range from 3-19 inches depending on the species. The name results from the spines that cover the skin. In the smaller species, the spines are erected permanently, while the spines in the larger species erect when the fish is threatened and has inflated its body. Porcupine fish inflate their body by taking water into their stomach until they are fully inflated.

Habitat
Porcupine fish generally stay in caves and recesses, peering out of the openings during the day and searching their area fir food at night. Sometimes they can be seen in grassy areas

Feeding
Porcupine fish generally feed at night, dining on mollusks, clams, oysters and other invertebrates. They move around the sea and reef floor, spurting jets of water to uncover prey. Porcupine fish have large appetites. They have only one set of teeth, which is unusual among fish.

Breeding
Researchers have uncovered very little knowledge about the Breeding habits of this fish.