| Family: |
Diodontidae (Porcupinefishes (burrfishes)) |
| Max. size: |
69.7 cm NG (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 20 - 100 m |
| Distribution: |
Circumglobal: Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-14; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 11-14. Adults grey to brown with a black gular band and small black spots on upper surfaces and fins; pelagic juveniles blue with dark spots above, the spots descending to belly (Ref. 4423).
Description: Characterized further by having widely scattered, short immovable spines on head and body, at least one small spine on top of caudal peduncle; open nostril, pitted cup (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Adults found in reefs and over soft bottoms to depths of 100 m, but may occur deeper in the tropics (Ref. 30573). Often found washed up on beaches. Known to brace themselves against the substrate to sleep at night (Ref. 4930). Appear to be active during the day. Juveniles often with floating weeds (Ref. 48637). Solitary. Juveniles pelagic in oceanic surface waters (Ref. 30573). Feed on hard-shelled invertebrates. Not usually marketed. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 June 2011 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
venomous |
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