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Chapter 249: Family Diodontidae: Porcupinefishes

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posted on 2023-05-22, 21:55 authored by Jeffrey LeisJeffrey Leis
Diodontids are spiny, globular, demersal inhabitants of relatively shallow, warm and temperate coastal waters, although 1 species (not found in New Zealand) is entirely pelagic, and most species have an extended, pelagic early life history phase. Like the related tetraodontids, diodontids are capable of inflating their body by swallowing water. This behaviour presents potential predators with an unpalatable, spiny ball, discouraging predation. Their food includes benthic invertebrates, especially crustaceans, echinoderms, and gastropods. There is no commercial catch. Globally, there are 7 recognised genera and 18 valid species. Only a single diodontid species is widespread in New Zealand waters, but 2 occur rarely around the north of the mainland. The common name ‘porcupinefishes’ is in widespread use in New Zealand, however see comment under Allomycterus pilatus. Previous taxonomic revisions were by Leis (1978, 2001, 2006).

History

Publication title

The Fishes of New Zealand

Volume

4

Editors

CD Roberts, AL Stewart, CD Struthers

Pagination

1741-1745

ISBN

9780994104168

Department/School

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

Publisher

Te Papa Press

Place of publication

Wellington, New Zealand

Extent

250

Rights statement

Copyright 2015 Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Marine biodiversity

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