quillback

The quillback, also known as the porcupine fish or spiny porcupinefish, is a species of fish in the family Diodontidae. Its scientific name is Chilomycterus reticulatus. These fish are characterized by their large, globular bodies covered in sharp spines that can be erected when the fish feels threatened. When inflated, the quillback becomes a formidable, spiky ball, making it difficult for predators to swallow.

Quillbacks are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. They inhabit coral reefs, rocky areas, and seagrass beds, often at depths ranging from the surface to around 100 meters. Their diet consists mainly of invertebrates such as crustaceans, mollusks, and sea urchins, which they crush with their strong, fused teeth.

The coloration of the quillback can vary, but they often display a mottled brown or gray pattern with darker spots or reticulations, providing camouflage against their environment. They are generally solitary and nocturnal, spending their days hidden in crevices and emerging at night to forage. Despite their spiny defense, they are sometimes caught by fishermen, though they are not a commercially significant species due to their bony structure and potential toxicity.