Blackblotched Porcupinefish
Diodon liturosus
Blackblotched porcupinefish is a medium-large spiny puffer of tropical Indo-Pacific reefs, lagoons, and sheltered coastal waters. It inflates when threatened and carries potent tetrodotoxin in its tissues and organs.
Identification points
- Dark irregular black blotches on a pale to yellowish body
- Numerous short, rigid spines that become prominent when inflated
- Rounded porcupinefish shape with large eyes and a small beak-like mouth
Habitat
Coral and rocky reefs, lagoons, seagrass beds, and sheltered inshore waters; often near reef slopes and rubble areas from shallow water to around 100 m.
Bait notes
Anglers commonly take it incidentally on bottom rigs baited with squid, cut fish, shrimp, or other meaty baits. It is not a targeted game species in most fisheries.
Behavior
Nocturnal or crepuscular feeder that uses strong fused teeth to crush hard-shelled prey such as mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoids. Slow-moving and defensive, it relies on inflation and its spines rather than speed.
Caution
Contains tetrodotoxin and is unsafe to eat; do not consume. The inflated body and rigid spines can injure hands, so avoid handling with bare hands and use pliers or dehookers.
Fishing notes
Use light to medium bottom tackle around reefs and rubble if targeting mixed reef species, but handle carefully because it can inflate and has rigid spines. Best released quickly and unhooked with tools.