Masked Porcupinefish (Diodon liturosus)
Image Copyright BB Divers
Observed: Koh Chang Reefs,
Observed By: BB Divers
The masked porcupinefish is also known as the black-blotched porcupinefish, but that’s frankly a rubbish name for this enigmatic little animal.
The first thing that you notice if you spot one whilst diving or snorkelling are the huge eyes that seem to follow you around.
It has scales that have modified into spines. When threatned it inflates its body by swallowing water and presents its spines to predators. And as a further disincentive it contains a powerful neurotoxin in several parts of its body. So don’t even think about eating it!
Masked Porcupinefish Wikipedia
