We took an underwater photography trip to the Philippines in December 2016.
Porcupionefish (blowfish or balloonfish) have the ability to inflate their bodies by swallowing water or air. The sharp spines radiate outward when the fish is inflated. Some species are poisonous.
Black-blotched porcupinefish, Diodon liturosus
Puffers are related to porcupinefish. Most are highly toxic. The internal organs and sometimes the skin contain tetrodoxin, a neurotoxin. The fish can fill its elastic stomach with water (or air) until it is almost spherical. All puffers have pointed spines which erect when the fish is inflated.
Black-spotted puffer, Arothron nigropunctatus
Saddled puffer, Canthigaster valentini
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Last modified 21 February 2017