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Balloonfish

Diodon holocanthus

Linnaeus, 1758

Balloonfish

Code



Summary

Saltwater fish. Porcupinefishes. Inhabits shallow reefs to open soft bottoms, down to 15 m. They are slow swimmers using mainly the pectoral, anal and dorsal fin. A shy fish.

To be confused with

- Porcupinefish Diodon hystrix.

Characteristics

Size: 20 to 35 cm, max 60 cm.
Colour: Body with a truncated head, olive to brown. A dusky band runs from eye to eye, dusky blotches or bands may be present on the back. Iris yellow, pupil with iridescent blue-green specks. Small dark spots on the body, no spots on the fins, the spots are larger than and farther apart than those of Porcupinefish. Head and body with long spines 
Shape: Slightly depressed wide body with a blunt snout.

Habitat environment and ecology

Inhabits shallow reefs to open soft bottoms, down to 15 m. They are slow swimmers using mainly the pectoral, anal and dorsal fin. Feed during the night on mollusks, sea urchins, hermit crabs and crabs.

Distribution range

BES-eilanden: St. Eustatius.

Author

[Marion Haarsma, march 2016]

Literature

- DeLoach, N., & Humann, P. (2002). Reef Fish Identification - Florida Caribbean Bahamas - 3th Edition. New World Publications, Inc.

Categorieën:

Soorten, Vissen

Commentaar

Balloonfish

Grafieken

Diensten

Weekdieren (EU-Habitatrichtlijn)

Mariene soorten en ecologie

Contact

Stichting ANEMOON
Postbus 29
2120 AA Bennebroek

anemoon@cistron.nl

06-11442009

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