Animal Species:Threebar Porcupinefish, Dicotylichthys punctulatus (Kaup, 1855)

As its standard name implies, the Threebar Porcupinefish has three dark bars, one under the eye, a second on the operculum and the third behind the pectoral fin.

Threebar Porcupinefish, Dicotylichthys punctulatus

Threebar Porcupinefish, Dicotylichthys punctulatus
Paula Zylstra & Harry Rothenfluh © Paula Zylstra & Harry Rothenfluh

Identification

The Threebar Porcupinefish has a rounded body that is covered with spines. The spines on the back are blade-like and fixed in position, but those on the belly and head can be raised. It has a very broad head, with eyes positioned laterally. The teeth are fused to form a single plate in both jaws.

The species is green to blue-grey above and white below. The body is covered with small black spots. There is a dark bar under the eye, another on the operculum and a third on the body behind the pectoral fin.

This species looks similar to the Spotfin Burrfish, Chilomycterus reticulatus. The latter species has spots on the fins and has fewer spines on the head and body. Although there is some overlap in distribution, the Spotfin Burrfish generally occurs in tropical waters and the Threebar Porcupinefish is found in more temperate waters of Australia's east coast.

Size range

It grows to 43 cm in length.

Similar Species

Spotfin Burrfish, Chilomycterus reticulatus

Distribution

The Threebar Porcupinefish is endemic to Australia. It is known from southern Queensland to northern Tasmania.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Threebar Porcupinefish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

The species is found on coastal and offshore reefs, often in rocky areas.

Classification

Species:
punctulatus
Genus:
Dicotylichthys
Family:
Diodontidae
Order:
Tetraodontidae
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  2. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags fishes, ichthyology, Threebar Porcupinefish, Dicotylichthys punctulatus, Diodontidae,