General Description

Body robust, somewhat oval, brown to greyish on top, white below, covered in long white to yellow spines and 3-4 dark vertical bands or blotches on sides. The spines usually lay flat against the body. When threatened, globefish rapidly inflate themselves with water or air, causing the spines to stand erect. To 30 cm, although most grow to about 15 cm.

Biology

When threatened, Globefish greatly inflate their bodies causing their spines to stand erect from the body and becoming spiny "globes".

Habitat

Common and widespread in a range of habitats, preferring sheltered reefs, and often seen in weedy areas, around jetties and pier piles, in depths of 0-85 m.

Reefs

Seagrass meadows

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Fishes › Porcupinefishes

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor Midwater

Max Size

30 cm

Harmful

Spines on body can inflict injury.

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed