Fin's Fish Guide
The Birdbeak burrfish (Cyclichthys orbicularis) is a saltwater fish of the family Diodontidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Indian and western Pacific Ocean, near reefs, seagrass beds and rocky bottoms of shallow, warm coastal water.
Description
The birdbeak burrfish is a porcupinefish of the family Diodontidae reaching about 30 cm. Unlike many relatives it has short, three-rooted spines that are always erect and cannot be folded flat against the body. The brownish-yellow body bears dark blotches. With its jaws fused into a beak it crushes snails, shellfish, hermit crabs and sea urchins. When threatened it pumps itself up with water into a spiny ball, too large and prickly for most predators. The species lives near reefs, seagrass beds and rocky bottoms of shallow, warm coastal water in the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. Like many puffers and porcupinefishes its skin and organs may contain the poison tetrodotoxin; it should not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Birdbeak burrfish?
The Birdbeak burrfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Porcupinefish with short, fixed spines that always stand upright and a brownish yellow body with dark blotches; a beak-like dentition.
Where does the Birdbeak burrfish live?
The Birdbeak burrfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Indian and western Pacific Ocean, near reefs, seagrass beds and rocky bottoms of shallow, warm coastal water.
How big does the Birdbeak burrfish get?
The Birdbeak burrfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Birdbeak burrfish dangerous to humans?
The Birdbeak burrfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The skin and organs may contain the nerve poison tetrodotoxin: this fish should not be eaten. The spines can cause puncture wounds.
Is the Birdbeak burrfish edible?
The Birdbeak burrfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cyclichthys
More from the family Diodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Birdbeak burrfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Birdbeak burrfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.