Balloonfish

Spiny Puffer, Porcupinefish, or Balloon Porcupinefish (Diodon holocanthus)

This species is actually a Spiny Balloonfish, but it is often called a Blowfish or Porcupinepuffer. The true Porcupinefish is its relative, the Long Spined Puffer. This species reaches nearly 12 inches when full grown, so it will require an aquarium of at least 75 gallons. It will do best with at least 3 small feedings per day, which should include enriched vegetative foods, as well as seafood proteins.

These fish are amusing with their antics of splashing and begging for food. They are easily tamed to accept foods by hand, but an accidental nip could be painful. Since Balloonfish and Burrfish are nocturnal in general, aquarsits should not become alarmed to see their fish spend most of its day resting in a cozy corner or ledge.

In addition to ich, this species is susceptible to intestinal worms. So deworming medication is best kept on hand. If aquarists ever need to capture their fish, it is best to never use a net. Nets will cause the fish to panic, inflate, and tangle themselves.

For more photos of Porcupinefish visit Jeff's Dive Gallery.