Puffer – Porcupine

Porcupine Pufferfish Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size:  100 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 30cm (1′)

Diet: Carnivore

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Lifespan: Up to 15 years

Scientific Name: Diodon Holocanthus

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: No

Approx. Purchase Size:  3 inches

The porcupine pufferfish, scientific name Diodon Holocanthus is a semi-aggressive fish. Their minimum tank size is 100 gallons. Porcupine pufferfish can grow up to 1’ and can live up to 15 years. Porcupine pufferfish are carnivores and should be fed frozen foods such as mysis shrimp. They can also be given small chunks of meaty foods such as clams, shrimp, etc. Porcupine pufferfish should be kept singly as they will become territorial and fight with another porcupine puffer. Porcupine puffers can be kept with other pufferfish as long as there is adequate space and food. Porcupine puffers will not bother coral, but they will prey upon many types of inverts such as snails, crab, and shrimp. Pufferfish are best suited for FOWLR tanks. Porcupine pufferfish will be seen swimming through the tank and will stay close to rocks to sleep at night. Pufferfish become stressed if they are in a net so a small container when transferring is recommended if possible.