Diodon nicthemerus

Datasheet

General Description:

The Porcupine Puffer, scientifically known as Diodon nicthemerus, belongs to the Diodontidae family. Resembling pufferfish, these unique fish are recognized for their distinct swimming style, spiky appearance, and charm, as well as their ability to inflate themselves. In their natural habitat, these Porcupine Puffers utilize a technique where they blow water into the sand to uncover their food, earning them the nickname "blowfish". However, in aquariums, they are known to blow water out of the tank, particularly during feeding, necessitating caution around electrical equipment.

Aquarium Suitability:

Porcupine Puffers are suitable for aquariums with careful consideration. While they are not reef-safe and may nip at the fins of other fish, they thrive better when kept with their own species and away from aggressive tankmates. These fish require ample space and a specific diet conducive to maintaining their teeth, as their teeth continue to grow and must be ground down regularly to prevent issues.

Care and Hardiness:

Porcupine Puffers are hardy individuals that can live for many years under optimal conditions in captivity. However, they are known to release toxins when stressed, emphasizing the importance of careful handling and transportation to avoid any mishaps. These fish have a unique personality, making them intriguing additions to aquariums with proper care.

Reef Suitability:

Reef compatibility with Porcupine Puffers should be approached with caution due to their tendency to potentially harm invertebrates present in reef environments. Their aggressive behavior towards other species may disrupt the delicate balance of a reef tank.

Aquarium Setup:

To accommodate a Porcupine Puffer, a sizeable tank of at least 1000 liters is recommended. The water conditions should ideally have a pH level ranging between 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, a temperature between 22.2-25.6°C, and a carbonate hardness of 8-12 dKH. Additionally, setting up the tank with appropriate hiding spots and ensuring the absence of sharp objects can help prevent injuries to the fish.

Behaviour:

Porcupine Puffers exhibit interesting and engaging personalities, captivating many aquarists with their playful demeanor. However, their aggressive tendencies towards other tank inhabitants necessitate careful consideration when selecting suitable tankmates.

Feeding and Diet:

These fish require a diet rich in larger crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, along with other invertebrates and small crustaceans such as krill, mysis, and artemia. Foods that aid in grinding down their teeth, like clams, should be provided to prevent overgrowth, as dealing with overgrown teeth can be a stressful process for both the fish and the aquarist.

Habitat and Distribution:

Porcupine Puffers are found in Australian waters, showcasing their natural habitat preferences. Their distribution in the wild highlights their adaptation to specific environments and behaviors, such as blowing water to uncover food, which can be observed in aquarium settings as well.