Porcupine Puffer

The Porcupine Puffer, or Freckled Porcupinefish, is famous for its large, soulful eyes and its body covered in long spines that lay flat until the fish is threatened. Its colour is a mottled tan-to-grey with dark blotches and fine black "freckles" across the fins. Unlike the Arothron puffers, the Porcupinefish has a more rounded, wider head and a charming, almost smiling expression. They are extremely personable and are often described as "water puppies." However, they require a very large aquarium and a diet rich in hard-shelled foods like whole shrimp, clams, and krill to prevent their teeth from overgrowing. They are not reef-safe, as they will readily eat most invertebrates and may nip at corals.