closeup view of inflated porcupinefish [65k]

Though the mouth is smaller, divers are well-advised not to allow a finger to stray into a porcupinefish's mouth-- the beak-like, fused teeth are capable of crushing even hard-shelled invertebrates. These fish are slow swimmers, especially when inflated.

Porcupinefish are common throughout the Indo-Pacific region. As with other types of pufferfish, they appear to be secretive, solitary fish, often found hiding in small caves or holes in the reef during the day.

Identification:
Cyclichthys orbicularis

back to gallery III


HOME