How do porcupine fish spines differ from burrfish spines?

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Within the family Diodontidae, the primary distinction between porcupine fish and burrfish lies in the mobility of their spines.12

  • Porcupine fish (genus Diodon): These fish possess spines that typically lie flat against the body. The spines only become erect when the fish inflates itself as a defense mechanism.12
  • Burrfish (genus Chilomycterus): These fish have spines that are permanently fixed in an erect position, regardless of whether the fish is inflated.12