Porcupinesfishes are large spherical fishes with large stiff spines.  Upper & lower jaws consist of solid bone forming a continuous cutting edge without a median gap much like a parrot's beak.  They have large eyes and feed nocturnally on hard-shelled invertebrates.

Phoenix, Midway Atoll, 50 feet

Phoenix, Midway Atoll, 50 feet

Phoenix, Midway Atoll, 50 feet

Rare in Hawaii but fairly common at Midway.  Fins are spotted and diffuse brown bar below the eye.  Spines are short and triangular; Reaches 21 inches.  Found in subtropical waters around the world.

Phoenix, Midway, 40 feet

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California, Mexico

Cabo Pulmo, Baja California, Mexico

Cabo Pulmo, Baja California, Mexico

Kewalo Pipe, Oahu, 50 feet

Portlock, Oahu, 30 feet

Portlock, Oahu, 30 feet

Occasional on rocky reefs in Hawaii; common in Baja California.  Fins are clear yellow and body olive with brown splashes.  Reaches 15 inches.  Found in warm waters around the world.

Midway Atoll, 30 feet

Midway Atoll, 30 feet

Sea Tiger wreck, Oahu, 80 feet

Sea Tiger wreck, Oahu, 80 feet

Sea Tiger wreck, Oahu, 80 feet

Occasional on coral reefs.  Fins and body are spotted.  Reaches 15 inches.  Found in warm waters around the world.

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