Classification:

• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Osteichthyes
• Order: Tetrodontiformes
• Genus: Diodon

Comments:

1. 1.Diodon is commonly known as porcupine- fish.
2. 2.Body us nearly globular, covered with stiff and movable dermal spines which are organs of defense.
3. 3.Head bears eyes, nostrils and small mouth opening and jaws without median suture.
4. 4.Dorsal and anal fins are placed opposite to each other. Caudal fin is rounded and slightly tilted upwards. Pectoral fin near operculum and pelvic fins are absent
5. 5.Gills are three in number covered by operculum. Gill-slit is situated near the pectoral fin.
6. 6.Air- bladder is present.
7. 7.A thin walled inflatable gastric diverticulum is present which allows the whole body to be puffed into a globular shape and the spines become defensively erected.
8. 8.The flesh of this fish is regarded as poisonous.
9. 9.Diodon is found in the tropical seas.
10. 10.Diodon is also a marine fish. It is carnivorous, feeds upon molluscs and corals, etc.

Source:

1. Practical Zoology Vertebrates by S.S.Lal. 2. A Manual of Practical Zoology Chordates by Dr. P.S. Verma.