Fish Identification Photos: Spotted Porcupinefish, Spotfin Porcupinefish, Diodon hystrix: The Spotted Porcupinefish is characterized by its overall light gray-brown coloration, very white belly, and small black dots, also present on its fins. It covered with spines, and its large eyes appear disproportionately large to its size.

The Spotted Porcupinefish is found around coral and rocky reefs in shaded, protected recesses and is normally found in the first 150 feet of the water column. It reaches a maximum length of approximately 30 inches and 5 pounds.

The Spotted Porcupinefish is very similar in appearance to the Pacific or Spotfin Burrfish, Chilomycterus reticulates (short immovable spines, gray on top, and white underneath), and the Balloonfish, Diodon holocanthus (brown bar running through the eye vertically, two broad brown bars, well separated, across the back).

The Spotted Porcupinefish is a member of the Tetraodontidae or Pufferfish Family. In Mexico, the Spotted Porcupinefish is found in all areas along the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula, in the lower half of the Sea of Cortez, along all waters of mainland Mexico, and around all oceanic islands.

Note: Like many puffers, the Spotted Porcupinefish is reputed to be highly poisonous, even fatal, if eaten, due to the presence of tetrodotoxin believed to protect it from predation by larger fish.

Spotted Porcupinefish, Spotfin Porcupinefish, Diodon hystrix: Caught from shore in the last hour of daylight, in May 2003, in 77-degree, 20 to 30-foot deep water, utilizing a 15-pound test fish finder rig, 1-ounce barrel sinker, swivel, three feet of 6 pound test, and Mustad 92553 hook, size #6, on cut squid, at Km. 14 (Twin Dolphins) between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Size approximately 10 inches and one pound. Imitates a log on the way in. A definite “catch and release.” Reported to contain “highly toxic” components. The Spotted Porcupinefish is a fish with a definite personality that is quite photogenic and willing to pose for pictures in its blown-up state, before being safely released. Description courtesy John Snow. Photos courtesy Carol Snow. Spotted Porcupinefish, Spotfin Porcupinefish, Diodon hystrix: Porcupine fish shown in "cruising" mode, and "emergency" inflated mode. Photos courtesy Peter Langstraat.