Species FishBalloonfish

Balloonfish

Diodon holocanthus

UncommonFish
Illustration of Balloonfish (Diodon holocanthus)
Safety note: Ciguatera poisoning can occur if consumed.

The Balloonfish is known for its ability to inflate into a ball shape when threatened. It has a spiny skin that deters predators.

Habitat
Found in warm, shallow coastal waters.
Diet
Feeds on invertebrates and coral polyps.
How common
Uncommon

Recent Balloonfish sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spotted a Balloonfish?

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.

Get Huck - free
5,300+species
63national parks
50states

More fish

Banded Archerfish
Banded Archerfish
Toxotes jaculatrix
Banded Butterflyfish
Banded Butterflyfish
Chaetodon striatus
Banded Darter
Banded Darter
Etheostoma zonale
Banded Killifish
Banded Killifish
Fundulus diaphanus
Banded Kōkopu
Banded Kōkopu
Galaxias fasciatus
Banded Sculpin
Banded Sculpin
Cottus carolinae
Banded Sergeant
Banded Sergeant
Abudefduf septemfasciatus
Bandtail Puffer
Bandtail Puffer
Sphoeroides spengleri