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Science
Planet OceanThe OceanBlue WhaleTubewormBarracudaMarine Megastars
Marine Megastars Judge a different competition
Best Defense Sense

Defense! Defense! Defense! Every fish in the ocean has defense sense — it's the only way to stay alive. Some find safety in numbers by swimming in schools. Others eat to avoid being eaten. Still others use poison or tough-guy behavior to keep predators away. Here are three types of fish well equipped to take on the fiercest predator out there.
Porcupinefish
Enlarge photo		 Porcupinefish
You might say this porcupinefish is sticking up for itself. When it's frightened, the porcupinefish quickly inflates itself into a large balloon shape with prickly spines. For predators brave enough (and with big enough jaws) to swallow this ball of needles, the consequences can be fatal. Dead sharks and barracudas have been found with puffed up porcupine fish stuck in their throats. On some South Pacific islands, the dried skins of porcupine fish were once used for making war helmets. It's easy to understand why! 		 
Stonefish
Enlarge photo		 Stonefish
Watch out, this lump could be deadly. In fact, it is the most poisonous fish in the world! The stonefish's blobby shape and subtle colors help it blend in with the ocean floor. But any diver (or fish) unlucky enough to mistake this fish for a stepping stone will get a foot (or fin) full of needle-sharp, venom-filled spines.		  
Clownfish
Enlarge photo		 Clownfish
Call it the "big brother" defense. A clownfish is a slow swimmer and has few natural defenses. So how does it avoid its enemies? By living among the poisonous tentacles of stinging anemones. Clownfish aren't born immune to the anemones' stings, but they quickly build up a film of mucous that protects them.		  
 
Judge's Stand
Vote for the megastar with the Best Defense Sense!
Porcupine Fish   Stonefish
Clownfish
  
 
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