On our dives, we encounter balloonfish occasionally. They often remain in the same spot for quite a while. Sometimes they hide in reef recesses. Balloonfish are members of the porcupinefish family and have long spines all over their bodies. The fish can inflate when disturbed. Their spines are normally flat, but they can be erected.
Balloonfish are usually between 8 and 14 inches long. They have gorgeous eyes, with iridescent crystals in the pupil. They have sweet faces. This fish was about 10 inches long, at a depth of about 25 feet. Although sometimes rather shy, this fish let me photograph him from several angles.
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