Is it bad for puffer fish to puff up?

Pufferfish are some of the easiest fish for scuba divers to identify. Unfortunately, while puffing up can successfully discouraging predators, it also can be quite harmful for the pufferfish, sometimes leading to death.

Do porcupine fish puff up?

Porcupine fish have their large spines pointing outward when they puff making them even scarier to predators than puffers. Puffing up is not the only defence mechanism. Some species do not have it like the northern puffer but most of them do.

How do puffer fish puff up?

Puffer fish inflate by sucking water into their mouths and then pumping it into their stomach, which inflates like an accordion. Parts of the puffer fish are laced with a toxin called tetrodotoxin, which is up to 1,200 times more toxic than cyanide.

Can you touch a porcupine puffer fish?

Like most other fish, porcupine puffers do not like to be petted. It could injure their skin and get you bitten.

Can you pet a puffer fish?

As well, it may also be a relatively expensive pet to keep, so you may need to adjust your budget if you’re serious about keeping a puffer. In contrast to more common pet fish, puffer fish require very good water quality, a lot of aquarium space, and a good diet. They’re definitely not starter pets.

Why do porcupine fish puff up their spines?

Porcupine fish have their large spines pointing outward when they puff making them even scarier to predators than puffers. Puffing up is not the only defence mechanism. Before using this technique, they will try to use their ability to do sudden evasive burst which, affiliated with their good eyesight makes it their most common defence technique.

How does a Porcupine Puffer Fish do in a tank?

Having worked with Porcupine Puffer Fish (among many others) for the past 10 years I can tell you that they do very well in large fish only systems with a good bit of live rock. They get along well with other larger, somewhat boisterous tank mates.

Why does a puffer fish keep puffing up?

During this time, the fish is vulnerable because of its size and immobility. The pufferfish is also typically exhausted from the exertion of puffing up. Because of these factors, divers and guides should view and appreciate this oddly formed fish from a distance, and tell other divers to do the same.

What to do if your Porcupine Puffer is not eating?

There is not much to worry about if you find your porcupine puffer lying at the bottom of the fish tank. Most of them, especially the older ones, consider it as their resting place. However, if you find it remaining still and not eating, you need to consult a fish vet or try making a partial water change.