Balloonfish and Burrfish

The scientific order Diodontidae includes a group of pufferfish that have visible spines. The spines erect when the fish blow themselves up with water or air. Because of their unusual appearnace and abilities, these fish have a variety of names: Balloonfish, Porcupinefish, Long-spined Balloonfish, Burrfish, and Spiny Boxfish. No doubt other names exist as well.

The skin and organs of many of these fish are poisonous with tetraodotoxin. This toxin is extremely strong, and lethal to people and animals who ingest it. Unlike, boxfish, however, balloonfish do not exude toxin. The toxin remains inside balloonfish. However, a dying or deceased specimen should be removed from the main tank to prevent the release of poison as decaying tissues break down.

These fish have fused , beak-like teeth and strong jaws, used for to crush sea urchins, sea stars, hermit crabs, crabs, and snails. Sometimes males use their teeth to bite and hold onto females during spawning and breeding. Since these fish are nocturnal, they normally hunt for food at night, and rest during the day.

These are fun fish for aquarists. They acclimate to acquarium life very well and quickly grow to know their keepers. Although they do well with their own species, they can nip fins of other fish. They also eat many types of invertebrates, so they will not be reef safe.

Diodonts will do well with a varied diet of crustacean meat and some hard shelled invertebrates to help wear down the continuously growning teeth. Clam, mussels, and table crabs are suitable selections, especially with the shell left on. The fish should be fed at least twice a day.

Never encourage Balloonfish to inflate. This causes them undue stress, In addition, inflation with air can somtimes lead to the fish's demise. Although they grow to "love" their caretakers, sometimes they will nip at hands working in the tank. Aquarists should be prepared for the parasitic outbreaks that these fish are prone to. In particular, saltwater ich, is problematic, as it has been discovered to reside in Balloonfish intestinal tracts.

Click on an image below to see a detailed description about each species.