Fin's Fish Guide
The Web burrfish (Chilomycterus antillarum) is a saltwater fish of the family Diodontidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The web burrfish is a burrfish (Diodontidae) from the western Atlantic. The species reaches about 30 cm and has a stocky, yellowish body covered with stout, fixed spines and a honeycomb (web) pattern, to which the name refers. When threatened it can swallow water and inflate into a spiny ball difficult for predators to bite. It inhabits coral reefs with adjacent seagrass and rubble areas and feeds on hard-shelled prey such as molluscs, crabs and sea urchins, which it crushes with its powerful beak. The species is not used as a food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Web burrfish?
The Web burrfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a marbled pattern. Covered with fixed spines and able to inflate itself into a spiny ball; honeycomb-like pattern.
Where does the Web burrfish live?
The Web burrfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic, on coral reefs with seagrass.
How big does the Web burrfish get?
The Web burrfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Web burrfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Web burrfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Web burrfish edible?
The Web burrfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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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 Web burrfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Web burrfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.