Chilomycterus schoepfii

(Stiped Burrfish)

Size

Maximum size 25cm (10")

Recognition Characters

Large head; Covered with sharp, erect spines (scutes) that are always pointing out. Iridescent specks in eye.

Color

Yellow to olive-brown top; wellow to white or gray on the bottom; has dark wavy or curved stripes of various size and spots on the side; has the overall appearance of brown or yellow.

Habitat & Depth

Very common in seagrass beds in bays and lagoons; typically found in shallower in the summer; more likely to inhabit natural and artificial reefs in winter

Distribution at GRNMS

Uncommon

Geographic Range

Maine to Brazil; uncommon in tropics

Behavior & Notes

Capable of inflating the body by gulping water or air into the stomach for defense

Synonyms

References