Although related, Porcupine or Burrfishes are not poisonous, but there are many species of Puffers that do excrete tetrodotoxin. From this collection of species facts, pictures, photo, characteristic, compatibility, feeding, aquarium care, and other profile information you can learn all about Porcupine and Pufferfishes.
1. Brown Whitespotted Puffer
Keoki Stender
The Brown Whitespotted Puffer (Arothron meleagris) has the ability to inflate by inhaling air or water. This is a protective defense that Puffers have which prevents them from being eaten by other fish. When it expands and inflates itself, a predator finds it difficult to swallow or get its mouth around the fish. When inflated, this Puffer's body has a soft prickly texture, which is harmless to the touch. This Puffer can grow to 14" in length.
2. Whitespotted Puffer
Keoki Stender
The Whitespotted Puffer is an omnivor. It feeds on a wide range of crustaceans, echinoderms and invertebrates, such as sponges, tunicates, polychaetes, bryozoans, sea urchins, brittle stars, crabs, peanut worms, shrimps, zoanthids, fishes, amphipods and foraminiferans, and will eat marine algae and detritus as well. Because of its food preferences, it is not a fish recommended for a reef tank. However...
3. Green Whitespotted Puffer
Keoki Stender
The Green Whitespotted Puffer (Arothron hispidus) will adjust well to aquarium life and eating in captivity. It has a slow going, friendly, and personable demeanor, but of course the downside to this fish is the toxin it can exude. As we said, it is suggested for a fish-only tank community with fish that have the same or similar traits, as well as eating habits. You can train them to
4. Valentini Puffer
Keoki Stender
The Valentini Puffer (Canthigaster valentini) has the ability to inflate by inhaling air or water. This is a protective defense that Puffers have which prevents them from being eaten by other fish. When it expands and inflates itself, a predator finds it difficult to swallow or get its mouth around the fish.
