Diodon hystrix Linnaeus, 1758

Leis, Jeffrey M., 2006, Nomenclature and distribution of the species of the porcupinefish family Diodontidae (Pisces, Teleostei), Memoirs of Museum Victoria 63 (1), pp. 77-90 : 88

Diodon hystrix Linnaeus, 1758

Leis(1978)examined 43 specimens of Diodon hystrix Linnaeus (1758, ref. 2787) from all warm oceans. I have now seen an additional 80 lots that extend the documented distribution of the species (see below).

Distribution. Circumtropical in Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans

W Indian Ocean – throughout the area from South Africa (Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park) to the Red Sea, Sri Lanka, and all major island groups.

Australia – south to Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs, Lord Howe I., and northern NSW (29 oS) off the east coast, and Rowley Shoals on west coast.

W Pacific – New Caledonia and Kermadecs to Rotuma, Pitcarin I., Hawaii and southern Japan.

E Pacific – Mexico to Chile

W Atlantic – 36 oN to ca 20 oS

Central Atlantic – Ascension and St Helena

E Atlantic – only 1 confirmed record at Fernando Po