Striped Burrfish
Chilomycterus schoepfii
Adult striped burrfish inhabit shallow western Atlantic bays, estuaries, seagrass flats, oyster beds, and sandy bottoms. They are slow, deliberate swimmers that feed on hard-shelled invertebrates such as crabs, mollusks, and sea urchins, crushing them with fused beaklike teeth. When threatened, they inflate with water or air so their spines stand out, and their toxic tissues make them a risky meal. Their large eyes and striped, spotty pattern help them watch and blend into complex coastal habitats.
- Type
- Water / Shell
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- ?
- Striped Burrfish