Pelagic porcupinefish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pelagic porcupinefish |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Tetraodontiformes |
| Family: | Diodontidae |
| Genus: | Diodon |
| Species: |
D. eydouxii
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| Binomial name | |
| Diodon eydouxii Brisout de Barneville, 1846
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The Diodon eydouxii, also known as the pelagic porcupinefish, is a type of porcupinefish. It lives in the open waters of tropical oceans all around the world.
Contents
About the Pelagic Porcupinefish
The pelagic porcupinefish is special because of its colors. Its belly is silver or white. But its back and sides are usually a bright blue with many small dark spots. This fish is smaller than many of its relatives. It grows to about 27 centimeters (10.6 inches) long.
Its blue color, sleek body, smaller size, and special fins help it live in the open ocean. This makes it different from other porcupinefish that usually stay closer to the seafloor.
Where Does It Live? (Habitat and Distribution)
You can find the pelagic porcupinefish in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. It prefers warm, tropical waters. The water temperature it likes is usually between 23.1 and 29.1 °C (73.6 and 84.4 °F).
This fish is unique among porcupinefish. It lives in the open ocean (pelagic) during its whole life. Most other porcupinefish live closer to the bottom when they grow up. The pelagic porcupinefish is usually found at depths from 0 to 10 meters (0 to 33 ft).
What Does It Eat? (Ecology)
The pelagic porcupinefish often swims in groups, which is called "schooling." Many other fish in its family usually swim alone. This fish eats tiny ocean creatures. It feeds on ichthyoplankton (fish eggs and larvae) and other larger zooplankton.
Pelagic Porcupinefish and People
This fish is sometimes caught by small fishing boats. It is also occasionally seen in aquariums.
 | Precious Adams |
 | Lauren Anderson |
 | Janet Collins |
