Puffers are found throughout the world in tropical fresh and salty waters. Usually brown in color, sometimes with some yellow on the underside. They are stocky fishes, typically with large heads and a squared off body, which is why they are sometimes referred to as boxfish. Porcupine fish are relatively slow fish. They feed on animals that contain stinging cells called nematocysts that commonly sting and injure or kill other animals.
Puffers seem unfazed by their sting.
They often hide in coral and, as their name implies, can puff up by sucking air or water into their abdomen. This balloon effect causes them to become more than a mouthful to would-be predators. They also have tough skin, with no scales. Coral polyps, mollusks, crustaceans, crabs and sea urchins, which they crush with strong beaks. Young resemble adults somewhat.