Spiny Box Puffer Fish

The Spiny Box Puffer, also known as the Striped Burrfish or Spiny Puffer, is a fascinating and unique addition to the experienced marine aquarium hobbyist's collection. Its body is covered in prominent, immovable spines, giving it a distinctive, box-like appearance. The coloration is typically a mottled pattern of brown, tan, and white, often with darker stripes or spots.

A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended for a single Spiny Box Puffer to provide ample swimming space and room for exploration. They are not considered reef-safe as they will readily consume invertebrates, including crustaceans, mollusks, and even corals. A fish-only or FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) aquarium is the most suitable environment. Provide plenty of live rock with caves and overhangs for hiding and grazing.

In the wild, Spiny Box Puffers primarily feed on hard-shelled invertebrates. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of a variety of meaty foods such as krill, mysis shrimp, chopped seafood, and high-quality frozen or freeze-dried foods specifically formulated for puffers. Offering occasional hard-shelled items like snails or small crustaceans can help keep their beaks trimmed. They can grow to a size of approximately 10 inches in a home aquarium. There are no readily apparent visual differences between males and females. Breeding in captivity is extremely difficult and has not been widely successful.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Chilomycterus schoepfii
• Care Level: Advanced
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
• Diet: Carnivore
• Reef Compatibility: Not Reef Safe
• Region of Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Maximum Adult Size: 10"
• Recommended Tank Size: 75 gallons