In the height of spring, a season of blooming flowers, I'm more of a foodie than a flower lover, but there's a fish in the tanks at Tokyo Sea Life Park that's always thinking about food. This time, I'd like to introduce you to one such gluttonous fish.

This is Spot-fin Porcupinefish Pterois fuscipes) on display in the "South China Sea" tank in the World Oceans area. Spot-fin Porcupinefish is a relative of the porcupinefish (Porcupinefish) and inhabits rocky reefs and coral reefs in warm and tropical regions around the world. It has short spines on its body, which are characteristic of the porcupinefish. In the wild, it feeds on crustaceans, sea urchins, and shellfish. One theory is that it got its name, "Spot-fin Porcupinefish," because its face resembles a mouse.

When it's feeding time, Spot-fin Porcupinefish in the tank rush to animal keeper 's side, opening and closing their mouths in great excitement. With them right in front of the zookeeper, it's impossible to feed the other fish, so the zookeeper feeds Spot-fin Porcupinefish first to calm them down. At the aquarium, they are given sweet shrimp, squid, and horse mackerel. However, they eat their share in no time and immediately start begging for more, causing a fuss. I can't help but smile and think, "What a cute little thing, it really only thinks about eating."

It's quite embarrassing to admit as animal keeper, but I once made a mistake that caused this Spot-fin Porcupinefish some pain. It happened when I was trying to feed a giant grouper, a large fish belonging to the same tank as the pufferfish. Spot-fin Porcupinefish bit into the food, and before I knew it, Spot-fin Porcupinefish and the food were both snapped up. The grouper was also surprised and immediately spat it out, but the most surprised was, of course, Spot-fin Porcupinefish. It hid in the artificial rock with incredible speed. I was worried because it didn't come out from behind the rock for two days, but I was relieved when it finally emerged and was back to its usual gluttonous self.

Since that incident, I've been extra careful when feeding the fish, determined never to let them suffer again.

Top photo: Spot-fin Porcupinefish makes a straight shot towards its prey.
Photo below: A giant grouper sneaks up from behind, timing its feeding perfectly.

[Tokyo Sea Life Park]

(April 5, 2013)