Striped Burrfish

Also known as Spiny Box Puffer, Spotted Burrfish, Web Burrfish

The Striped Burrfish is a unique and fascinating species featuring a body covered with short, fixed spines and a distinctive pattern of spots and reticulated lines. Unlike porcupinefish, burrfish have non-erectile spines that remain in fixed positions. This personable, slower-moving puffer relative is peaceful and hardy, making it an interesting alternative to standard puffers. The unique appearance and gentle nature make it a conversation piece in appropriate systems.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Chilomycterus schoepfi
• Common Names: Striped Burrfish, Spiny Box Puffer, Web Burrfish
• Adult Size: Up to 10-12 inches
• Lifespan: 10-15 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful; slow-moving and docile
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef safe; will consume invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons preferred
• Experience Level: Intermediate; requires large system and proper diet

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Requires large tanks with open swimming areas and rockwork with caves. Moderate water flow preferred (less active swimmer than puffers). Secure decorations. Provide sheltered areas.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Good water quality essential

Equipment Recommendations:

• Quality filtration system (moderate bioload)
• Protein skimmer
• Moderate water circulation
• Secure lid

These maintain healthy conditions for this species.

Diet & Feeding

Striped Burrfish are carnivores requiring hard-shelled foods.

Recommended foods include:

• Primary: Frozen krill, squid, clams, mussels, scallops
• Hard-shelled foods: Snails, crabs, shrimp with shells (ESSENTIAL)
• Variety: Chopped fish, octopus, crab meat
• Supplements: Vitamin-enriched foods

Feeding Frequency: Once daily

Special Note: MUST have regular hard-shelled foods to wear down continuously growing beak. Can crush moderately thick shells. Without a proper diet, beak overgrows.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Compatible with peaceful to semi-aggressive fish
• Very Peaceful: Slow-moving and non-aggressive
• Predatory: Will eat small fish and invertebrates
• Reef Safety: Will consume crustaceans and mollusks

Notes & Considerations

• Unique appearance: covered with fixed, non-erectile spines.
• The spotted and reticulated pattern creates a distinctive look.
• Spines remain in a fixed position unlike porcupinefish.
• Can still inflate the body but spines don’t erect.
• Slower-moving than typical puffers.
• Very peaceful and docile temperament.
• Personable and recognizes the owner.
• Less energetic than active puffer species.
• Beak grows continuously; hard foods are mandatory.
• Can crush snail shells and shellfish.
• Will eat small fish and all invertebrates.
• Not suitable for reef aquariums.
• Slower swimmers may be outcompeted by aggressive feeders.
• Requires target feeding if housed with fast fish.
• Produces moderate waste; good filtration needed.
• Can release toxins when severely stressed.
• Can inflate the body when threatened.
• Inflation is stressful; avoid causing it deliberately.
• Hardy once established.
• Native to Western Atlantic and Caribbean.
• Less commonly available than puffers.
• Interesting alternative to standard puffer species.
• Excellent for those wanting unique, peaceful large fish.

Why Choose a Quarantined Striped Burrfish?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, well-acclimated burrfish. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and trained to accept varied foods including essential hard-shelled items for beak maintenance before sale. This provides the best foundation for long-term success with this unique and interesting species.