Fishician®Diet
Carnivore – shrimp, krill, clams, squid, crabs; needs hard-shelled food to wear down beak
Aquarium species profile
Porcupine Puffer
Diodon holocanthus · Worldwide tropical and subtropical oceans
Minimum tank100 gal
Adult size12–18"
Care levelEasy
TemperamentSemi-Aggressive
Temperature72–78°F
pH range8.1–8.4
Compatible tank mates
Large robust fish; triggers, large angels, large wrasses
Tank mates to avoid
Invertebrates (will eat), corals, small fish (may be eaten), slow fish with long fins
Care notes
Personable and intelligent fish. Will eat any invertebrate. Not reef-safe. Can inflate when stressed. Beware of biting—powerful beak. Hardy once established.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.