Clearwater Marine Aquarium is full of all sorts of exciting ocean animals! From striped burrfish to triggerfish, there are a number of different sea creatures that are worth learning about.
Where to See
- 4th Level
Striped Burrfish
Striped Burrfish
(Chilomycterus schoepfi)
- STATUS
- Least Concern
- AVERAGE SIZE
- 4-10 in
- LOCATION
- Western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Brazil and parts of the Gulf of Mexico
- THREATS
- Increasing sea temperatures, Coastal development and pollution
- DIET
- Small fish, barnacles, crabs and clams
- HABITAT
- Seagrass beds in coastal lagoons, bays and coastal reefs
Did You Know…
They are known for their “puffing”; when threatened they will ingest water, or air, to inflate their body. When they do this their spines become more prominent and this combined with the increase in size act as a deterrent for predators.
Burrfish have a parrot-like beak that allows them to crush through the shells of their prey items.
They move primarily by using their pectoral and tail fins versus using their body like most fish. They can also squirt water out of their gills to give them a burst of speed.