Bridled Burrfish

(Chilomycterus antennatus)

Chilomycterus Burrfish should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of rockwork, caves, cracks, crevices and ledges for hiding. Wide open swim areas should also be provided. Burrfish have the ability to inflate themselves as a defence mechanism, they will also use their exterior sharp spines to ward off potential threats. Burrfish are slow moving fish and require peaceful tank mates larger than themselves. They are nocturnal feeding on mainly large crustaceans, urchins, sea stars, worms and may pick at soft corals. Feed a diet rich in meaty foods multiple times daily.

Bridled Burrfish are occasionally seen in the aquarium trade. Bridled Burrfish are an overall yellow to brown color, small dark spots, two white trimmed large black spots, juveniles will be a bright yellow color with large black trimmed white spots. Bridled Burrfish can grow to almost 15".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 150 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate CareDifficultDifficult
  • Behavior: BehaviorAgressiveAgressive BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietLive FoodLive Food DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium