Chilomycterus reticulatus (Spotfin burrfish)

Identification

Brown to gray with a white underside, numerous fixed triangular spines, body and fins covered in black spots, 3 dusky body bars and 1 dusky bar under the eye. It lives solitary.

Status

Unevaluated by the IUCN Red List, but a wide spread species. Although rare in tropical waters, it can be found in subtropical and temperate waters.

Habitat

Circumglobal. Adults found in reefs and over soft bottoms to depths of 100 m, but may occur deeper in the tropics. Juveniles often with floating weeds, pelagic in oceanic surface waters. Lives in a depth range of 3-120 meters.

Reproduction

Size

Up to 70cm., but more commonly around 30cm.

Prey / Predation

It feeds on hard-shelled invertebrates.

Special features

Appear to be active during the day. Known to brace themselves against the substrate to sleep at night. They are known to be venomous.