A porcupinefish is a type of marine fish belonging to the family Diodontidae, known for its ability to inflate its body and for being covered in sharp spines or quills. When threatened, it swallows water (or air, if out of water) to puff up into a ball-like shape, making it appear larger and more intimidating to predators.

Here are some key features:

• Scientific family: Diodontidae
• Common names: Porcupinefish, balloonfish, blowfish (though “blowfish” can also refer to pufferfish, which are related but from the family Tetraodontidae)
• Spines: Unlike pufferfish, porcupinefish have long, fixed spines that stick out when inflated.
• Habitat: Tropical and subtropical oceans, usually in reefs and coastal waters.
• Defense: In addition to inflation and spines, some species contain tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin.

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