Overview
A species of large puffer fish with long, venemous spines which extend outwards when threatened. In addition to being a hazard to touch, when this fish puffs out its body it launches spines in random directions, turning them into deadly projectiles.
Ecology
Known for being solitary, this species can be found in the deeper areas of coral reefs, feeding on sponges, algea, and a variety of corals. They're most active during the day, and often lay dormant at night. Morningstar Puffers are widely known for their potent venom, which can render most humanoids unconcious even in small doses. Due to this, they're commonly hunted by tribal peoples, as their spines are prized for crafting weapons.
Morningstar puffers are generally around 4ft in length, and when they puff their bodies expand to 7ft in diameter. Additionally, adults of this species typically weigh between 50-60lbs. The males are larger than the females on average, but that aside there is no distinct sexual dimorphism to tell males and females apart.
Being solitary in nature, morningstar puffers are often very territorial, and will fight other individuals who encroach on their space. The exception however is during their mating season, when males actively attempt to attract females to their territories by constructing nests in the coral reefs. There females will lay their eggs, which the males fertilize through external fertilization. This species doesn't provide parental care, so the young puffers will be on their own once they've hatched.
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