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Size
Up to 11 inches (28 cm) -
Diet
Small marine invertebrates -
Range
Western Atlantic Ocean -
Habitat
Seagrass beds and reef environments in coastal waters
Physical Characteristics
- Coloration is light tan to yellowish brown with many darker, wavy stripes running up and down along the back and sides. Some individuals also have large dark spots behind the dorsal and pectoral fins. The body is covered in short, sharp spines.
- Maximum length of about 11 inches (28 cm).
Animal Fact
The striped burrfish is sometimes called a pufferfish – it can take in water and inflate its body into a large ball to deter predators!
Diet / Feeding
- Diet consists primarily of small marine invertebrates, but will occasionally graze on algae.
- Feeds by using its beak to crush its prey. May consume prey whole.
Range / Habitat
- Occurs in the Western Atlantic from Nova Scotia and Maine as well as the Bahamas and the Gulf of Mexico to Brazil.
- Found in seagrass beds and reef environments in coastal waters at depths of 36 feet (11 m).
Reproduction & Growth
- Oviparous, or egg-laying species. Believed to spawn at night.
Conservation Status
- “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.
Additional Information
- Able to take in water to greatly inflate the body into a spike-covered ball as a defense against predators.
