File(s) under permanent embargo
Chapter 249: Family Diodontidae: Porcupinefishes
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 ZealandVolume
4Editors
CD Roberts, AL Stewart, CD StruthersPagination
1741-1745ISBN
9780994104168Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic StudiesPublisher
Te Papa PressPlace of publication
Wellington, New ZealandExtent
250Rights statement
Copyright 2015 Museum of New Zealand Te Papa TongarewaRepository Status
- Restricted