Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body short, plump, globular as a juvenile; body more elongate and flattened somewhat as an adult; capable of inflating like a balloon; color yellowish on back and sides with variously shaped dark blotches, sometimes fused to form stripes; dark spot on upper midbody, behind pectoral fin and under dorsal fin; dusky on belly; body covered with short yellow spines, spines always erect; mouth beak-like with 1 upper and 1 lower tooth; skin loose and soft in juveniles, hardening somewhat as an adult; dorsal and anal fins small, near tail; no pelvic fins. |
Similar Species |
The common porcupinefish has long, quill-like spines which can fold back on its body, puffers have beaks made of 4 teeth, 2 upper and 2 lower (1 upper and lower in burrfish). |
Habitat |
Gulf and bays, found in seagrasses and around reefs |
Maximum Size |
28 cm (11 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. 12; A. 10 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
spiny boxfish |
Previous Scientific Names |
C. shoepfi |
Comments |
A type of pufferfish, the striped burrfish can inhale water and inflate itself. With its erect spines, this makes it menacing and hard to swallow.. |
State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |