Fin's Fish Guide
The Striped burrfish (Chilomycterus schoepfii) is a saltwater fish of the family Diodontidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, in seagrass, seaweeds and on soft bottoms of shallow coastal water.
Description
The striped burrfish is a stocky fish of the family Diodontidae (porcupinefishes) reaching about 28 cm. The yellow-brown body bears short, fixed spines over nearly the whole body and a pattern of wavy dark stripes, often with a few large spots. When threatened the fish gulps water and inflates into a spiny ball, too large and sharp for most predators. The mouth forms a strong, parrot-like beak with which it crushes shellfish, snails, sea urchins and molluscs. The species lives in seagrass, weed and on soft bottoms of shallow coastal water along the western Atlantic coast. As in related puffers, organs and skin may contain toxic tetrodotoxin, so the fish is not eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Striped burrfish?
The Striped burrfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Stocky porcupinefish with short, fixed spines over the whole body and winding dark stripes; can inflate itself with water.
Where does the Striped burrfish live?
The Striped burrfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, in seagrass, seaweeds and on soft bottoms of shallow coastal water.
How big does the Striped burrfish get?
The Striped burrfish grows to a maximum of about 28 cm.
Is the Striped burrfish dangerous to humans?
The Striped burrfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The organs and skin of puffer-relatives often contain highly toxic tetrodotoxin; do not eat the fish and wash hands after handling.
Is the Striped burrfish edible?
The Striped 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 Striped burrfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Striped burrfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.