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Pufferfish -

When threatened, members of the pufferfish family are able to inflate themselves into a virtually inedible ball several times their normal size. Some are armed with large external spines that further provide a formidable defense against predators. And the coup de grâce? The majority of pufferfish species are toxic and number among the most poisonous vertebrates in the world.

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Porcupine -

The porcupine is the prickliest of rodents. Sharp spines, or quills, that protect them against predation serve as a sharp reminder that this animal is no quick snack.

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Stingray -

Stingrays come in all shapes and sizes, and are among the ocean's most graceful residents. All are possessed of a barred spinal blade known as a stinger, which can deliver a painful jab.

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Crown-of-thorns starfish -

The aptly named crown-of-thorns starfish is a sea star named for the spines that cover its body and arms. A visually stunning creature, this echinoderm is one of the largest starfish in the world.

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Thornback ray -

As well as its distinctive kite-shaped body, the thornback ray is distinguished by its blotchy brown or gray back and the collection of 'thorns' on its back and tail.

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Thorny devil -

A small lizard native to Australia, the thorny devil is covered entirely with an intimidating array of conical spines.

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Hedgehog -

One of the most recognized of spiky mammals, the hedgehog is densely covered with spines except for the underside, legs, face, and ears. When threatened, the hedgehog rolls itself into a near impregnable ball of thorns.

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Sea urchin -

Sometimes called the porcupines of the sea, sea urchins number an astonishing 950 species. Most of these prickly marine animals have two series of spines, primary (long) and secondary (short), distributed over the surface of the body. Some tropical sea urchin species are venomous.

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Echidna -

The echidna, often called a "spiny anteater," is covered in course hair almost completely hidden by a blanket of hollow, barbless quills on its back and sides. When threatened out in the open, echidnas will adopt the same defensive strategy as that of the hedgehog.

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Africa spiny mouse -

So named because its coat is endowed with unusually stiff guard hairs similar to the spines of a hedgehog, the spiny mouse is a unique species in that it's able to regenerate damaged skin.

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Lowland streaked tenrec -

Found only in Madagascar, tenrecs resemble hedgehogs in their overcoats of spiny quills.

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Crowned forest dragon -

Also known as the Indonesian forest dragon, this large reptile is cloaked in large scales and a spine of intimidating, canine-like barbs.

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Armadillo girdled lizard -

Named after the armored mammal, the armadillo, this spiny tailed lizard endemic to the desert regions of South Africa has an unusual defensive mechanism: it rolls itself into a ball and takes its tail in its mouth. This posture accentuates its thick, thorny scales.

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Lionfish -

The lionfish is an attractive but invasive predator easily identified by conspicuous warning coloration with red or black bands, and showy fins armed with venomous spines.

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Spiny orb-weaver -

This bizarre-looking critter is a species of spider. Females are brightly colored with six prominent spines on their broad, hardened, shell-like abdomens. They are distributed worldwide in tropical and subtropical climates.

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Spiky grouse locust -

A native of Malesia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines, the spiky grouse locust is wrapped in a coat that appears as weather-worn leather studded with short, blunt spikes.

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Rockrose prickly leaf beetle -

This diminutive member of the leaf beetle family is more at home on the Mediterranean coast. But in 2022 it was found in the United Kingdom for the first time. While only a few millimeters across, the insect is easily identified by its ruby-red body and cluster of long black spines.

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Spiny leaf insect -

Endemic to Australia, these incredible insects mimic the leaves on which they feed. Female adults are covered with thorn-like spikes for defense and camouflage.

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Gypsy moth caterpillar -

Native to part of continental Europe, gypsy moth caterpillars are recognized by their long, hair-like setae that resemble bristling wire. They can also be identified by a row of distinctive blue and red spots.

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Cone snail -

With their exquisitely patterned shells, cone snails appear innocuous enough. But these colorful gastropods possess a harpoonlike tooth capable of injecting a potent neurotoxin that can be dangerous to humans.

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Regal horned lizard -

Native to Mexico and the Southwest United States, the regal horned lizard certainly looks like it can take care of itself, its body studded with spikes. But this lizard's main defense is the ability to squirt blood from its eyes!

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Compass jellyfish -

Jellyfish have stinging cells in their tentacles called cnidocytes. Each cell contains a spiky barb, which is coiled and sensitive to touch. In fact, many jellyfish species can give a nasty sting, including the compass jellyfish.

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Jackson's horned chameleon -

The three horns found on the heads of adult males lend this species of chameleon a truly imposing character. The saw-tooth shaped dorsal ridge only reinforces its alarming appearance.

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Saddleback caterpillar -

Beware the saddleback caterpillar. The larva of a species of moth native to eastern North America, the saddleback is colorful and dangerous, the spines on its body attached to poison glands.

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Tasseled scorpionfish -

Scorpionfish have spines that are packed with dangerous venom. Their color usually matches their surroundings, making this tropical reef-dweller hard to spot.

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Nutria -

Another member of the spiny rodent family is the nutria, also known as the coypu. This large semiaquatic herbivore is considered an invasive species for its destructive burrowing and feeding habits.

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Greater weever fish -

The spines protecting this fish species are very effective venomous apparatus. Their habit of burrowing into muddy and sandy seabed, often in shallow water, make them difficult to see. As such, many a hapless swimmer and beachcomber has fallen victim to its potent sting.

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Hercules beetle -

One of the world's largest beetles, this amazing critter is known for its tremendous strength. Only males exhibit the characteristic horns, which are used to settle mating disputes.

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Hairy frogfish -

Frogfish species bristle with small spines that resemble hairs, a coat that serves as effective camouflage against coral and seaweed. Unusually, these fish don't swim. Instead, they walk on the seafloor using their wide, paddle-like fins.

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Blue iguana -

Endemic to the island of Grand Cayman, this handsome reptile changes its color to blue when in the presence of other iguanas to signal and establish territory. Males have more dominant dorsal crests, a feature that lends them a fearsome, dragon-like appearance. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the blue iguana as Endangered.

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Armoured katydid -

This tough-looking insect is armed with several sharp, conical spines and powerful jaws that can inflict a painful bite. The species is native to parts of Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. 

See also: Are we facing an insect apocalypse?

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