The family Diodontidae, commonly known as porcupinefish, includes a group of spiny, puffer-like fish found in warm, shallow waters around the world. These fish are characterized by their ability to inflate their bodies by swallowing water or air, which makes them less palatable to predators. Their bodies are covered in sharp spines that protrude when they are inflated, providing an additional defense mechanism. Diodontidae species typically have a rounded body shape and a beak-like mouth, which they use to feed on hard-shelled invertebrates such as sea urchins and crustaceans. They play an important role in their ecosystems by helping to control the populations of these organisms.