Porcupine Puffer Fish?

Question

Is it possible to have porcupine puffer fish at home? Where can I read up on how to care for them and what they need if you want to have them at home?

Answer 1

No you cant have them, I want them- you have your baby crocodiles, dont be greedy! x

Answer 2

Porcupine Puffer - Diodon holocanthus
Also known as: Spotted Burrfish, Spiny Puffer, Porcupine Fish, Long-Spine Porcupine Fish & Balloon Fish
Maximum Size: the Diodon hystrix grows up to 14 inches.
General Size Specifications: The small size will come to you generally 2 to 3 inches; the medium generally 4 to 5 inches; the large generally 6 to 7 inches.
Minimum Tank Size: The Porcupine Puffer prefers a tank of at least 80 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim.
Diet: The Diodon hystrix is a omnivore and likes to eat variety of chopped meats (fish, scallop, shrimp, squid, clam).
Level of Care: The Porcupine Puffer is a medium maintenance fish.
Behavior: The Porcupine Puffer may act semi-aggressively toward other fish. It is a venomous fish, the flesh is poisonous. Do not eat. If ingested seek immediate medical attention.
Hardiness: This is a hardy fish.
Water Conditions: Keep water quality high (SG 1.020 - 1.025, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Temp. 72 - 78° F).
Range: the Caribbean, Central America.
General Notes: With spines covering most of it's body, the Porcupine Puffer is a popular and well recognized addition to your fish only system. It is known for being aggressive and may nip tankmates. A nocturnal hunter, Porcupine Puffers like to eat invertebrates. It is important that it eats shelled inverts like raw shelled shrimp or shells as it needs to keep it's teeth worn down. The Porcupine Puffer, when frightened or distressed may inflate 2x it's original size. Forcing this animal to repeatedly puff can result in death due to stress. Do not expose it to air when it is puffing up as ingestion of air is often difficult to expel. The Porcupine puffer can grow to be well over 14" in length.

Answer 3

Ours has slightly cloudy eyes at school and the marine biology teacher said it wasn't a problem. This may not be your case but, every large porcupine puffer I've ever seen (7 inches or more) has had slightly cloudy eyes. If yours is pale (not just at night when fish naturally change color a bit) ask an expert at your local fish store! They will know whether it's ich or a parasite, or if it's nothing to worry about!

Answer 4

Yes, the Porcupine Puffer fish can be kept in an aquarium. Purchase from a reputable supplier so as not to deplete stocks.

They are predators, so careful who you put them in a tank with!

They have quite a wide diet in the wild, so should take most flakes and stuff, but I'm sure they'd love it if you gave them shrimp! Make sure you give them some meaty treats, as they'll need it to stay healthy.

I wouldnt have lots in a tank as they are not shoal fish and will probably fight / kill all your other fish.


Be careful as they excrete poison, so wear gloves when in close contact (ie moving stuff in tank/moving fish) and probably keep them in water at all times (ie no nets, only buckets/bags)

Try these websites for more care info.