Back to Fish                                 

Spiny Box Puffer
Scientific Name: Chilomycterus schoepfi

These oddly-shaped fish are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. They prefer shallow, inland waters with depths of 5-30 feet, and they are often seen lingering close to coral reefs.

Growing to lengths of 1.5-6 inches, Spiny box puffers are yellowish beige in color-with dark brown, wavy stripes covering most of their bodies. They use their powerful teeth to feed primarily on hard-shelled mollusks, sponges and coral.

Fun Facts:
  • Puffers possess the unique ability to inflate their bodies with water or air. They do this when frightened to intimidate predators.
  • Once they have inflated their bodies, puffers appear up to three times their normal size.
  • This "puffing" ploy is used only as a last resort, because inflated puffers lose most of their maneuverability in the water.
  • Spiny box puffers are also armed with long spikes along their backs. These spikes further protect them against predators.
Back to Fish