Globefish inflation is a defensive measure, and as such, there is no limit to how many times an individual can inflate (and deflate).
If fish is inflated on the surface, it is likely to inhale air. Air can be difficult to expel and can lead to fish death, because fish float and cannot leave the surface. However, if the fish is inflated underwater, it only ingests water and has no problem deflating once the danger has passed.
However, the oxygen intake of fish when inflated is five times higher and it took more than five hours to return to normal metabolic levels. It’s pretty tiring for these little ones, so after inflating 3 to 8 times in a row during the experiment, they
Porcupine Fish
stopped inflating. Contrary to experience, globfish in their natural habitat do not permanently swell. They can inflate several times throughout their lives as needed. So it’s not true that they can only puff twice in a lifetime.
If fish is inflated on the surface, it is likely to inhale air. Air can be difficult to expel and can lead to fish death, because fish float and cannot leave the surface. In Bayahibe we see quite often pufferfishes, would you like to join us on one dive and see how cool they are?
