Balloonfish, Barred Porcupinefish
Pez Erizo
(Diodon holocanthus)

Balloonfish, Diodon holocanthus: The Balloonfish is normally brown in coloration and is characterized by long spines on its head, small dark spots on its body, and no spots on its fins. Longer spines on the forehead than behind the pectoral fins differentiates it from the Porcupinefish.

The Balloonfish normally has a dusky band that runs across the top of its head from eye to eye, with a limited number (usually four) of dusky blotches or bands on its back. The Balloonfish has large, prominent eyes with a yellow iris.

Because of the opportunity presented by its spines and rather comical appearance, the Balloonfish is called by a multitude of names, such as Hedgehogfish, Spiny Puffer, Longspine Porcupinefish, and many others.

This is not an easy species to identify as it is readily confused with the Pacific Burrfish, Chilomyocterus affinis; the Pelagic Porcupinefish, Diodon eydouxil; the Spotfin Burrfish, Chilomyocterus reticulates; and the Spotted Porcupinefish, Diodon hystrix (however all of the above have spots on their fins).

The Balloonfish is normally found in protected recesses within rocky reefs and along boulder-strewn slopes, in the first 300 feet of the water column. It reaches a length of approximately 20 inches.

This fish species is a member of a group of Porcupinefish (Diodontidae) that belong to the Tetraodontidae or Pufferfish Family. Globally there have been 19 species of Diodontidae identified of which three are found in the Sea of Cortez.

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A 10-inch fish caught off the beach while fishing at Punta Palmilla, Baja California Sur, Mexico, in January 2009. Photo courtesy of John Snow.

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Balloonfish, Barred Porcupinefish, Diodon holocanthus: Caught with Captain Pata during a fish trip in the panga Salome, La Playita, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, in midmorning daylight, in February 2003, in 72-degree, 100 to 150-foot deep water, utilizing a 30-pound test, 40-pound test two dropper loop rig, no swivels, 3-ounce bank sinker, and Mustad 92553 hooks, size 2/0, on a live sardine, about 20 miles north of La Playita. Size approximately 12 inches and 1 pound, and a below average fighter. Viewed by locals as “dangerous” and should be handled accordingly. A “catch and release.” Clearly a fish with personality! Description and photos courtesy John Snow.

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Balloonfish, Barred Porcupinefish, Diodon holocanthus: Photos courtesy John Snow.

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