Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotfin burrfish (Chilomycterus reticulatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Diodontidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Widespread in warm and temperate seas worldwide, near reefs and rocky bottoms of coastal water.
Description
The spotfin burrfish is a robust porcupinefish of the family Diodontidae reaching about 70 cm. Unlike many relatives it has short, fixed spines that always protrude. The brown body bears a net-like pattern of dark lines and spots. With its jaws fused into a beak it crushes shellfish, snails, hermit crabs and sea urchins. When threatened it pumps itself up with water into a spiny ball. The species is widely distributed near reefs and rocky bottoms of coastal water in warm seas worldwide. 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 Spotfin burrfish?
The Spotfin burrfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Robust porcupinefish with short, fixed spines and a net-like pattern of dark lines and blotches; a beak-like dentition.
Where does the Spotfin burrfish live?
The Spotfin burrfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Widespread in warm and temperate seas worldwide, near reefs and rocky bottoms of coastal water.
How big does the Spotfin burrfish get?
The Spotfin burrfish grows to a maximum of about 70 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Spotfin burrfish dangerous to humans?
The Spotfin 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 Spotfin burrfish edible?
The Spotfin burrfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Spotfin burrfish and live in the same waters.
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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 Spotfin burrfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotfin burrfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.