Spiny Box Burrfish Pufferfish

The Spiny Box Burrfish Pufferfish (Chilomycterus schoepfii). It is a semi-aggressive species that is not reef-safe, admired for its distinctive spiny body, striking patterns, round “boxy” shape, and unique defensive inflation ability.

Males typically have slightly more prominent spines and brighter coloration during breeding, while females/juveniles are smaller with less pronounced spines and muted patterns.

They reach about 6–8 inches in adult size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 50 gallons. Provide a sandbed, plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding, caves or crevices, and open swimming space. Maintain stable water parameters with salinity around 1.020–1.025, temperature 72–79°F, and pH 8.1–8.4. A secure lid is essential since puffers are prone to jumping.

Diet should consist of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, small crustaceans, snails, clams, and high-quality pellets, which help wear down their ever-growing teeth. With proper care, the Spiny Box Burrfish becomes a fascinating, standout addition to a marine aquarium, though caution is advised due to its semi-aggressive nature.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.