Spiny Box Puffer

Description

Chilomycterus schoepfi

With spines covering most of it’s body, the Spiny Box Puffer is a popular addition to your fish only system. It is known for being aggressive and may nip tankmates. A nocturnal hunter, Porcupine Puffers like to eat invertebrates. It is important that it eats shelled inverts like raw shelled shrimp or shells as it needs to keep it’s teeth worn down. The Porcupine Puffer, when frightened or distressed may inflate 2x it’s original size. Forcing this animal to repeatedly puff can result in death due to stress. Do not expose it to air when it is puffing up as ingestion of air is often difficult to expel.

Maximum Size: the Chilomycterus schoepfi grows up to 14 inches.

Minimum Tank Size: The Spiny Box Puffer prefers a tank of at least 80 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim.

Diet: The Chilomycterus schoepfi is a carnivore and likes to eat variety of chopped meats (fish, scallop, shrimp, squid, clam).

Level of Care: The Spiny Box Puffer is a high maintenance fish.

Behavior: The Spiny Box Puffer may act semi-aggressively toward other fish. It is a venomous fish, the flesh is poisonous. Do not eat. If ingested seek immediate medical attention.

Hardiness: This is a hardy fish.

Water Conditions: Keep water quality high (SG 1.020 – 1.025, pH 8.1 – 8.4, Temp. 72 – 78 F).

Range: the Caribbean.