Chilomycterus antillarum
| Porcupinefish | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Chilomycterus antillarum | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Tetraodontiformes |
| Family: | Diodontidae |
| Genus: | Chilomycterus |
| Species: | C. antillarum |
| Binomial name | |
| Chilomycterus antillarum D. S. Jordan & Rutter, 1897 | |
Chilomycterus antillarum or the Web Burrfish, Spiny Box Puffer, Bridled Burrfish or Striped Burr Fish, is a species of fish in the genus Chilomycterus native to the Western Atlantic Ocean,[1] southern Florida, and the Bahamas to Brazil. The species can grow up to 12 inches in length.[2]
In captivity
Spiny box puffers are not recommended for the novice aquariust, as they are difficult to adjust to captive fare. They require a minimum 75 gallon aquarium, with high water quality (SG 1.020 - 1.025, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Temp. 72 - 78° F). Their diet consists of mollusks and other meaty, live foods. The must be fed shellfish since their beaks grow throughout their life, or they will starve. Like other puffers they inflate themselves with water to escape capture, do not force them to do this as it will cause stress.[3]
References
- ↑ Tristan Lougher (2006). What Fish?: A Buyer's Guide to Marine Fish. Interpet Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84286-118-9.
- ↑ http://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=1449
- ↑ http://www.dreamaquatic.com/spiny-box-puffer.html