PORCUPINE FISH + MORE

This exhibit contains more fish from the warm tropical waters of the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The coral reefs in this area provide food and shelter for millions of fish, sea turtles, crustaceans and invertebrates — making them one of Earth’s most diverse habitats.

LONG SPINE PORCUPINE FISH

Also in this exhibit you may see a long spine porcupinefish. The unique features of this fish give it protection against predators. When threatened, it will fill its body with air or water, which makes its body swell like a balloon. This makes it too large to fit into the predator’s mouth and the extended spines make it even less desirable. The teeth of both the upper and lower jaws of this fish are fused, forming a solid, heavy beak, making cracking the shells of snails, sea urchins and hermit crabs easy. 

SWIPE PHOTO TO RIGHT TO SEE MORE AMAZING FISH

SCRAWLED FILEFISH

Another amazing animal in this display is the large Scrawled Filefish. The blue lines on his body are BIOFLUORESCENT. Proteins in the skin absorb energy from sunlight and re-emit it, making his stripes look like they are glowing! They are unusual looking fish and are capable of rapid color changes to blend into their local environment.

What other colorful fish can you spot in this gallery?