Porcupine Puffer
Diodon holocanthus
What you need to keep a Porcupine Puffer
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Seachem Reef Carbonate
From R161Sizes
Seachem Ammonia Alert
R267
Seachem Reef Iron
From R162Sizes
Seachem Reef Phosphorus
From R162Sizes
pH
8–8.4
Temperature
24–27 °C
Where to buy
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
Recognizable by its large eyes and soft spines that inflate when threatened. This puffer is a character-filled fish that requires a very large tank and readily eats crustaceans and hard-shelled foods.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Porcupine Puffer healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
Size the aquarium to Porcupine Puffer's adult size and activity level. Use robust décor and sight breaks so each fish can hold its own space.
Water parameters
Keep pH 8–8.4 and 24–27°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Carnivore. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Semi-aggressive. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose robust tankmates of similar size, and nothing small enough to be eaten. Add Porcupine Puffer last so territories reset.
Breeding
Breeding success with Porcupine Puffer depends on the line and water chemistry; ask your shop about proven pairs.
Community photos
From hobbyists across SA.