Beachcombers Field Guide - Department Of Fisheries Western ...

Globefi sh (Diodon nicthemerus)
Chordata – Osteichthyes
Also referred to as
a porcupinefi sh, the name
certainly refl ects this fi sh’s appearance
with a body that can be infl ated, causing
the spines (which are modifi ed scales)
to stand erect. A globefi sh infl ates its
body by ingesting water or air, and as its
body expands the spines lock into place
– making the animal appear much bigger
and acting as a deterrent
to potential
predators.
Photo: Carina Gemignani
Did you know?
The swim bladder of the
porcupinefi sh may also be found
washed up onto the beach – the
infl ated dried organ is sometimes
referred to as a windbag.