Spotfin burrfish

Porcupinefish with short spines.

Scientific name	Chilomycterus reticulatus
English name	Spotfin burrfish
Japanese name	石垣河豚
Classification	Actinopterygii
Classification details	Tetraodontiformes Diodontidae
Full length	about 50cm.
Distribution	Inhabits temperate and tropical regions around the world.

Characteristics

A member of the Porcupinefish that has short spines all over its body. The back is grey, and the mask is white. It has a teardrop shape where the tail is thinner. The thorns do not stand up even when the body is inflated. The caudal and anal fins are lined with fine black spots.

Ecology

Inhabits rocky reefs and coral reefs in shallow water and moves alone. Eat crustaceans, etc. When it senses danger, it puffs up its body to intimidate, but unlike porcupine fish, it does not have spines.

Habitat

Niijima Maehama

It was swimming slowly near the tetrapods on the foreshore. It's quite big and has big eyes, so if you suddenly meet it, you'll be frightened. I also found an individual foraging under the foot of the pier. I tried poking it, but it didn't inflate.