Three-Bar Porcupine Fish

Common Name: Three-Bar Porcupinefish
Scientific Name: Dicotylichthys punctulatus
Family: Diodontidae
Found: QLD, NSW, VIC
Maximum Length: 43 cm

Porcupinefish have numerous spines over their bodies that stick out when they inflate themselves in order to deter predators. Three-Bar Porcupinefish are Australian endemics and are found on the east coast from mid-coast Queensland to eastern Victoria.

Three-Bar Porcupinefish are a greenish grey colour on the top part of the body fading to dirty white below. They have three short vertical bars that differentiate them from similar species; one directly below the eye and the other two equal distance either side of the pectoral fin. They have numerous black spots over the head and body.

Confusing Species: Globe Fish

Globe Fish are found south from mid-coast NSW. They are a similar shape and have similar bars to the Three-Bar Porcupinefish, although not as distinct. However they are readily distinguished due to being much smaller – 28 cm compared to 43 cm – and that their spines are a far brighter yellow than the Three-Bar Porcupinefish.