Fin's Fish Guide
The Bridled burrfish (Chilomycterus antennatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Diodontidae that grows up to 38 cm.
Atlantic Ocean on both sides, near reefs, seagrass beds and rocky bottoms of shallow, warm coastal waters.
Description
The bridled burrfish is a porcupinefish of the family Diodontidae reaching about 38 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. The species lives near reefs, seagrass beds and rocky bottoms of shallow, warm coastal water on both sides of the Atlantic. 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 Bridled burrfish?
The Bridled burrfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Porcupinefish with short, fixed spines that always stand upright; brownish yellow with dark blotches and a beak-like dentition.
Where does the Bridled burrfish live?
The Bridled burrfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Atlantic Ocean on both sides, near reefs, seagrass beds and rocky bottoms of shallow, warm coastal waters.
How big does the Bridled burrfish get?
The Bridled burrfish grows to a maximum of about 38 cm.
Is the Bridled burrfish dangerous to humans?
The Bridled 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 fixed spines can cause puncture wounds.
Is the Bridled burrfish edible?
The Bridled burrfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chilomycterus
More from the family Diodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Bridled burrfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bridled burrfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.