divepix - Longspine Porcupinefish (a.k.a. Balloonfish)

Longspine Porcupinefish (a.k.a. Balloonfish)

Aspect:	Compact light brown dotted body with larger dark patches on upper part and sides of body. Spines neatly swept backwards along body when not aggressed. As the pictures below show, very rare samples may be totally white, but still with black dots.
Population:	Common.
Notable feature:	Blue iridescent pupil and plain iris unequivocally distinguishes it from the similar Brideled Burrfish (q.v.). Body dots are also larger and sparser than Bridled Burrfish.
Environment:	Close to bottom, around rock or coral boulders in not too deep waters (about 10-15 metres). Usually seen at night.
Behaviour:	Easily approached, but quietly. Feeds on small crustaceans.