Striped Burrfish
Chilomycterus schoepfii
A spiny, permanently-armed puffer relative that never needs to inflate to look the part.
About
The striped burrfish (Chilomycterus schoepfii) is a member of the porcupinefish family whose spines, unlike those of true porcupinefishes, are fixed in a permanently erect position rather than flattening against the body. That permanently bristled silhouette makes it instantly recognizable. In the wild it ranges across a broad stretch of the Western Atlantic, from Nova Scotia and Maine all the way south to Brazil, with a particular fondness for shallow seagrass beds, coastal lagoons, and sheltered bays. Shallow reef edges are also home territory. Like other members of its family it is a dedicated carnivore, using its fused beak-like teeth to crunch through hard-shelled invertebrates, so any tankmates that fit in its mouth, or any ornamental shrimp and snails you are attached to, are at risk. It has been kept in the aquarium trade in Brazil and elsewhere, and while it can adapt to aquarium life, it demands a large, well-maintained system and a keeper who is on top of water quality. This is not a fish for beginners, but for an intermediate hobbyist with the space and commitment, the striped burrfish is a genuinely characterful fish with real personality.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Striped Burrfish get?
- The Striped Burrfish reaches about 6.5–11" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Striped Burrfish need?
- A minimum of 180 gallons is recommended for the Striped Burrfish.
- What water parameters does the Striped Burrfish need?
- The Striped Burrfish does best with a temperature of 72–78°F, a pH of 8.1–8.4, hardness around 8–12 dGH.
- Is the Striped Burrfish aggressive?
- The Striped Burrfish is semi-aggressive. It can work in a community with careful tankmate choices and enough space.
- What does the Striped Burrfish eat?
- The Striped Burrfish is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Striped Burrfish live?
- With good care, the Striped Burrfish typically lives 5-8 years.
- Is the Striped Burrfish reef safe?
- The Striped Burrfish is not considered reliably reef safe and may harm corals or invertebrates.