Expert identifies washed-up fish found on beach

A leading fish expert has identified a species which caused debate after it washed up on Maroochydore Beach.

The spotted porcupine fish found at Maroochydore.

A LEADING fish expert has identified a species which caused debate after it washed up on Maroochydore Beach.

Jessie Johns, 6, found the puffed-up fish which caught the attention of passers-by who surrounded the fish and offered suggestions on its species.

The main ones suggested were puffer or stonefish.

Dr Janet Lanyon, from the University of Queensland’s school of biological sciences, said the species of fish was a spotted porcupine.

Six-year-old Jessie Johns with a spotted porcupine fish she found at Maroochydore.

This was quickly confirmed by UQ’s fish expert Dr Ian Tibbetts.

Dr Tibbetts said the spotted porcupine were classed in the same group as pufferfish.

“I would call them common for Sunshine Coast waters,” Dr Tibbetts said.

“The spines are sharp but seldom puncture skin if handled carefully. The spines are not venomous.”

Dr Tibbetts said porcupine fish were poisonous.

Fish species website Oceana report spotted porcupine are a foraging predator and feed on hard-shell crabs, snails and urchins.

“The spotted porcupinefish is a very poor swimmer and can easily be caught, even by scuba divers,” the website reads.

“However, when threatened, the spotted porcupine fish has the incredible ability to swallow water and erect its spines until it looks like a large, spiny balloon.”