Porcupine fish are surprisingly well-defended, making them a less common meal for many predators. However, they do have some natural predators:
- Larger fish: Sharks, groupers, and moray eels may overcome the spines.
- Marine mammals: Dolphins and some seals have been known to prey on them.
- Birds: Osprey and sea eagles may attempt to catch them, though spines can deter them.
These predators may not always be successful, and porcupine fish spines can be quite dangerous.