Common Name: Common / Spot-fin Porcupinefish

Species Name: Diodon hystrix Linnaeus, 1758


Range: Widespread throughout tropical oceans


Size: Up to 30 inches (76 cm)


Natural Environment: Inhabit lagoons and seaward reefs and hides during daylight hours under ledges and in crevices, and feeds at night


General Husbandry: Has a very wide temperature range of 70 to 82°F (21 - 27°C) and feeds upon benthic invertebrate and small fishes. Requires a varied diet, i.e., enriched live brine shrimp, mysis, chunky chopped fish or shrimp flesh, and/or carnivore frozen foods, along with some vegetable matter. Should have numerous daily feedings and plenty of swimming space. Nocturnal and will eat smaller tankmates.


Aquarium Suitability: * * & * * * *


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* - Suited for the reef aquarium;
** - Better suited for the fish-only aquarium;
*** - Better left in nature;
**** - Needing an aquarium larger than 125 gallons; and,
***** - Needing their own private environment/special tankmates.