Fin's Fish Guide
The Brown burrfish (Chilomycterus spinosus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Diodontidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Western Atlantic from the Caribbean to Argentina, near seagrass beds, reefs and rocky bottoms of shallow coastal water; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The brown burrfish is a porcupinefish of the family Diodontidae reaching about 28 cm. Unlike many relatives it has short, three-rooted spines that are always erect and cannot be folded flat. The brownish-yellow body bears dark squiggly lines and 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 seagrass beds, reefs and rocky bottoms of shallow coastal water from the Caribbean to Argentina and tolerates brackish water. 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 Brown burrfish?
The Brown 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 winding lines; a beak-like dentition.
Where does the Brown burrfish live?
The Brown burrfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Western Atlantic from the Caribbean to Argentina, near seagrass beds, reefs and rocky bottoms of shallow coastal water; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Brown burrfish get?
The Brown burrfish grows to a maximum of about 28 cm.
Is the Brown burrfish dangerous to humans?
The Brown 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.
Is the Brown burrfish edible?
The Brown 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 Brown burrfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown burrfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.