Common name: Spotfin burrfish

General information

The Spotted Burrfish, Chilomycterus reticulatus, is a distinctive pufferfish species known for its unique appearance and interesting behaviors. It is characterized by its rounded body, covered with spines that can be erected when the fish is threatened, giving it a burr-like appearance. This defense mechanism is a fascinating adaptation that deters predators.

Care

Spotted Burrfish require a spacious aquarium with plenty of hiding places to feel secure. They are not reef-safe as they may nip at or consume invertebrates and can be destructive to corals. A varied diet including meaty foods like shrimp, squid, and clams is essential for their health. Caution should be exercised when keeping them with other fish, as they can be aggressive, especially towards smaller tank mates.

Reproduction

In the wild, Spotted Burrfish are solitary and come together only to breed. Breeding in captivity is rare and not well documented. They are known to release eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs externally.

Habitat

Spotted Burrfish are found in warm, shallow waters, often in seagrass beds, estuaries, and coral reefs. They are adept at inflating their bodies with water or air as a defense mechanism when threatened. Their natural range extends across the Western Atlantic, from North Carolina to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.