Porcupine fish

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One unusual and fascinating animal in the underwater world is the porcupine fish. This fish, which has a reputation for puffing up and displaying sharp spines, is an interesting addition to any aquarium.

The porcupine fish is a popular choice among aquarists because of its peaceful disposition, despite its intimidating appearance. It is a subject of admiration and curiosity due to its unique appearance and intriguing behaviors.

It is possible to ensure that your porcupine fish flourishes in your aquarium and brings an exceptional touch to your aquatic environment by being aware of its habits and care requirements.

Natural habitat

The bottom of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans is home to porcupine fish in their natural habitat. Some subspecies of this fish have adapted to live in freshwater, even though they are originally found in saltwater. Porcupines can also be found in tropical and temperate regions; they are frequently found along the Mediterranean Sea’s coast.

Appearance

The porcupine fish is so distinct in appearance that it cannot be mistaken for anybody else:

1. Size. Length of an adult – from 30 to 60 cm.
2. Body shape – spherical.
3. Head – blunt, rounded. Jaws – powerful. Inside the oral cavity there is a special bag, which is a compartment for water. But it fills with water if the fish is very scared. At this moment, it begins to swell, turning into a ball with protruding in different directions spines.
4. Shaped fins – round. There are no spines on them.
5. Tail – has motionless spines.
6. Main feature – the whole body is covered with prickly spines, which are not visible in a calm state. The needles reach 5 cm in length.
7. Main color – light tones with spots of red, black or brown.

Features of keeping in an aquarium

Hedgehogs require very specific conditions; the biggest challenge is producing brackish water. For the hedgehog fish to feel at ease, you should adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Aquarium volume. Depends on the number of individuals. Hedgehogs lead a fairly passive lifestyle. A tank of about 50 liters is enough for one individual.
2. Parameters: temperature range – from +18°C to +22°C, acidity – from 8.1 to 8.4, degree of salinity of water – from 1.023 to 1.025 .
3. Bottom – sandy. The fish likes to burrow into the sand.
4. Decoration. The aquarium should contain decorative elements that provide reliable shelters – driftwood and grottoes (read more about how to make a grotto with your own hands), various jugs. In addition, corals are necessary, since urchins love to swim among them. The fish can cling to its spines and lift various objects, the weight of which exceeds its body weight by more than 50 times. Therefore, all decorations must be well secured.
5. Vegetation – not important. The aquarist chooses the types of plant crops at his own discretion.
6. Lighting – moderate.

Feeding features

Organic food. The urchin fish is an omnivorous animal in the wild. Nonetheless, only herbivorous members of this species are frequently found. The fish’s food preferences are determined by its environment. The urchin searches the bottom most of the time for food. They consume carrion, mollusks, stars, and algae. Additionally, urchins ingest sand from the ocean floor, which contains food particles. They adore consuming coral.

Menu for the aquarium. Hedgehogs should eat a balanced diet of both plant and animal products when living in an artificial reservoir. The diet is designed with all the characteristics of this unique fish in mind.

1. From plant foods, preference is given to dandelion, carrots, lettuce leaves and cabbage. All plant products must first be scalded with boiling water.
2. It is recommended to periodically give industrially produced food. They contain vitamins, macro- and microelements useful for hedgehogs.
3. Food of animal origin: worms, shrimp, corals and mollusks, crustaceans and invertebrates.

Providing the hedgehog with high-quality, comprehensive, and varied nutrition is crucial.

The lives of the fish’s neighbors in a shared aquarium can only be saved by a well-balanced diet.

Character and compatibility

The hedgehog fish has fairly calm behavior in general. The hedgehog is a sluggish and passive animal. Its preferred method of finding food is to glide slowly along the bottom most of the time.

It is advised to keep hedgehog fish exclusively in aquariums intended for their species.

His spikes are highly toxic, and the poison is extremely strong.

The other fish in the aquarium run the risk of being pricked by the fish, which will kill them.

Porcupine fish are unusual and fascinating additions to an aquarium because of their ability to display sharp spines when threatened and to inflate their bodies.

Features of spawning

Only in natural habitat conditions is propagation possible. information indicating the aquarium’s hedgehogs were divorced. In fish, puberty lasts for roughly three years. Characteristics and mode of reproduction of progeny:

1. Hedgehogs live and spawn in groups.
2. The female lays caviar on the stones, after which the males irrigate eggs with sperm. After the caviar and sperm are mixed, it takes their flow to the bottom.
3. The duration of the incubation period is up to 7 days.
4. The kids who were born immediately have the outline. Develop quickly, in a short period of time they are completely formed into an adult individual. Until the kids finally grow up, they will live at the bottom, eating plankton.

Also read:

Interesting facts about sea urchins

Important details for individuals choosing a facility in the exotic animal aquarium:

1. The duration of the life cycle in captivity is up to 4 years. In the wild, these fish live much less because of their mass cap.
2. In case of fright or in a stressful situation, fish can increase 4 times more of its original volume.
3. Fish meat cannot be consumed, since it is extremely poisonous. In some countries, the meat of this fish, known as Fugu, is considered an incredible delicacy costing huge money. But only some cooks in the world can cook it correctly.
4. The poison contained in fish – tetrodoxin – is fatal for humans. Toxin, obtained from 1 only of individuals, can kill about 30 people.
5. Hedgehog has amazing visual acuity. This allows him to feel free in the dark.
6. In times of danger, the fish not only swells, but also releases its poison into the water. Toxin is able to instantly kill enemies located in the immediate vicinity.
7. If the aquarist pricked a finger with a needle of fish, it is recommended to immediately conduct antiseptic treatment of the wound, take an anti -inflammatory drug and immediately seek medical help. Entering the body even a minimum amount of poison can lead to extremely negative consequences. If the thorough of the hedgehog remains in the skin, it should be carefully removed with tweezers.

Is it possible to start fish-though

As a pet fish for aquariums, this fish is very particular. Even for highly experienced aquarists, its content can be quite challenging at times. Getting the proper parameters for brackish water preparation is the biggest challenge. Getting everything organized for hedgehogs and healthy food is no less challenging. Moreover, not every aquarist is impacted by the inclusion of items like mussels and shrimp in their diet.

If you would like to keep a hedgehog fish in your aquarium, you should be aware of its extreme peculiarity. Only at the ocean’s bottom will she be at ease. Despite his best efforts, an aquarist is unlikely to be able to completely replicate natural conditions in his tank.

Photo of a porcupine fish

Aquariums are enhanced by the distinct charm that porcupine fish offer. They are fascinating creatures. For enthusiasts who enjoy unusual fish, their large eyes and spiny bodies give them a distinctive appearance that makes them a standout addition.

Porcupine fish keeping, however, calls for considerable thought. To thrive, they require a large tank, a particular diet, and a calm atmosphere. They should be respected in captivity because of their wild nature, which is symbolized by their ability to inflate and display spines when threatened.

Porcupine fish, with their intriguing personalities and eye-catching appearances, can live long, healthy lives under the right circumstances. They also make for great aquarium pets. These fish can be a rewarding choice, offering a hint of exotica to your underwater world, for those who are willing to meet their needs.

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