Porcupine Puffer

Porcupine Puffer

Diodon holocanthus

Also known as: Porcupinefish

🧂 Saltwater ⚡ Semi-aggressive 🟡 Moderate 🥩 Carnivore Not Reef Safe

The 'puppy dog' of the saltwater world. Big eyes, goofy expression, and can inflate to a spiky ball. Very personable.

Tank Size

75 gal
minimum (125+ preferred)

Temperature

74–82°F
23–28°C

pH Range

8–8.4
water acidity

Max Size

12"
30.5 cm

Lifespan

10–15 years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

All
preferred zone

Care Notes

Grows large and is very messy. Needs powerful filtration. Will eat all invertebrates. FOWLR only. Recognizes its owner.

Feeding

Frozen shrimp (shell on), clams, squid, and marine pellets. Needs crunchy foods for beak.

Compatible Tank Mates

None identified.

Use Caution With

Blue Tang 12" Yellow Tang 8" Kole Tang 7" Clarkii Clownfish 5" Tomato Clownfish 5" Scopas Tang 8" Naso Tang 18" Convict Tang 8" Cinnamon Clownfish 5" Saddleback Clownfish 5" Allard's Clownfish 5.5" Sebae Clownfish 5.5"

Incompatible With

Ocellaris Clownfish 3" True Percula Clownfish 3" Maroon Clownfish 6" Blue Green Chromis 3" Yellowtail Damselfish 2.5" Blue Devil Damselfish 3" Powder Blue Tang 9" Achilles Tang 10" Purple Tang 10" Three Stripe Damselfish 3" Domino Damselfish 5" Azure Damselfish 2.5"

Check Compatibility

Want to check if Porcupine Puffer is compatible with a specific fish? Use our compatibility checker to build your complete tank.