They’re smooth toadfish, right? They’re mildly toxic (not venomous) so wash your surviving fingers after handling them. I got bitten by one once and it definitely hurt, but I still have all my digits
To be slightly more specific, I think these are a species of porcupinefish. I love these guys... they tend to be curious, outgoing critters, both in the wild and in aquariums. If you're diving, they'll swim right up to you and hang out, just to try and figure out what you are.
Their bite is nasty, but it's not like they're going to take a chunk out of you for no reason.
They are great, a local aquarium used to have one. I showed up at feeding time one day. They'd throw food in and the sharks would be fighting over it and taking food from each other.
Then along comes the puffer fish. He grabs the best piece of food right out from a shark's mouth and swims off uncontested. I asked the staff about it and they said "yeah he does whatever he wants, nobody messes with the puffer fish." RIP little guy he passed away a couple years after that.
Awwww, I had a puffer who was the best pet ever and a great comfort to me in grad school. He used to pace up and down the side of his tank when I cried with his great big googly eyes and always made me feel better. This makes me miss him so.
He has a full school of fish behind him...and even though they seem to smile I would have eerie feeling probably due all horror movies I seen in my life...
Those thing have teeth that can easily take out your finger with one bite. Say hello but not with your hands