DistributionRange:
BES-eilanden: St. Eustatius.
Author:
[Marion Haarsma, march 2016]
Literature:
- DeLoach, N., & Humann, P. (2002). Reef Fish Identification -
Florida Caribbean Bahamas - 3th Edition. New World Publications, Inc.
Summary:
Saltwater fish. Porcupinefishes. Inhabits shallow reefs to open soft
bottoms, down to 15 m. They are slow swimmers using mainly the pectoral,
anal and dorsal fin. A shy fish.
ToBeConfusedWith:
- Porcupinefish Diodon hystrix.
Characteristics:
Size: 20 to 35 cm, max 60 cm.
Colour: Body with a truncated head, olive to brown. A dusky band runs from eye to eye, dusky blotches or bands may be present on the back. Iris yellow, pupil with iridescent blue-green specks. Small dark spots on the body, no spots on the fins, the spots are larger than and farther apart than those of Porcupinefish. Head and body with long spines
Shape: Slightly depressed wide body with a blunt snout.
HabitatEnvironmentAndEcology:
Inhabits shallow reefs to open soft bottoms, down to 15 m. They are
slow swimmers using mainly the pectoral, anal and dorsal fin. Feed
during the night on mollusks, sea urchins, hermit crabs and crabs.