These fish have a distinctive appearance, and can become surprisingly tame in an aquarium surroundings. Characterized by a lack of streamlining, they can't swim quickly to avoid danger. They do however have other means of protection, such as sharp spines of the porcupinefish.
Take special care when catching and handling these fish of this group, since many release a poisonous mucus that, in the confines of an aquarium will be deadly to themselves as well as other fishes within.
The powerful jaws and teeth reflect their natural diet of marine crustaceans and molluscs. The aquarium species require a similar diet to ensure their teeth don't become over grown.
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