Seeing a pufferfish is a special moment, but, was it really a puffer fish that you saw during your last dive? We’ll take a look at some of the common Tetraodontiformes spotted while scuba diving in Taiwan and hopefully, afterwards, you will be able to answer the question: Was that a pufferfish, porcupinefish, or a boxfish?
To begin, the Order of Tetraodontiformes includes many types of fish, like pufferfish, boxfish, and porcupinefish as well as triggerfish, filefish, and the ocean sunfish. The name of the order comes from the fused teeth found in its members, with most having 4 (tetra) teeth (odon/odous). The teeth form a hard beak which lets them break through mollusk shells easily. The majority of the order is found in tropical salt water near reefs. Some pufferfish, however, can be found in brackish or fresh water and the ocean sunfish is found in open water.
One pufferfish that is commonly seen in Taiwan is the Valentini Pufferfish, sometimes called the saddleback puffer. Another is the Giant Pufferfish. The distinguishing traits of a pufferfish are the four teeth in the beak, as well as skin that seems smooth (most puffers have small spines but they only appear when it puffs up). The pufferfish puff up by quickly sucking water (or air if near the surface) into a chamber near the stomach and some can triple in size once inflated. They will do this as a last resort when threatened or stressed.
Porcupinefish, very common in Taiwan, are very similar to pufferfish. They are also able to puff up their bodies by sucking water or air into a chamber near their stomach when threatened or stressed. However, they are covered in spines which are visible even before puffing up and provide additional protection. Another difference is their teeth; Porcupinefish have a beak consisting of 2 teeth, instead of 4.
Boxfish are also commonly found in Taiwan. The Yellow Boxfish is very common in reefs around Taiwan. Another is the Longhorn Boxfish. Boxfish, unlike puffers and porcupinefish, aren’t able to puff up their bodies when threatened. The defining characteristic of a Boxfish is, as the name suggests, its shape. Their bodies have a very distinct, square shape with the front and back tapering quickly to the head and tail respectively.
Another defense mechanism employed by all three types of fish is toxins. Most Pufferfish and Porcupinefish produce tetrodotoxin, which is found in some of their organs. It is extremely dangerous and is considered one of the most deadly toxins produced by vertebrates. Boxfish, on the other hand, are able to release a toxin through their skin when threatened which may harm or even kill any fish in the water near them. They are brightly colored as a way of warning predators.
So, which one did you see? Did it have the 4 teeth and smooth skin of a Pufferfish? Or did it have the visible spines and 2 teeth of a Porcupinefish? Or was it the brightly colored Boxfish? Next time you are out diving, use this guide to help you decide!
To learn more about Scuba Diving trips or take courses, you can find us at www.fundiverstw.com
Happy Bubbles!
Friendly Note: If you see Divers try to get a Pufferfish to puff up, let them know it's not okay. While it may be cool to see, harassing marine life while diving is frowned upon. Be an ambassador and set a good example.
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