Web Burrfish

Web Burrfish (Chilomycterus antillarum)

The Web Burrfish (Chilomycterus antillarum) is one of the most personable and entertaining fish available for marine aquariums. Native to the Caribbean and Florida, this unique puffer relative is recognized by its intricate web-like pattern, expressive eyes, and short movable spines that can be raised when threatened. Highly intelligent and curious, the Web Burrfish quickly learns to recognize its keeper and often greets them at the front of the aquarium during feeding time.

Web Burrfish thrive in spacious marine aquariums with plenty of rockwork to explore and open swimming areas. While generally peaceful toward similarly sized fish, they are opportunistic predators and should not be housed with ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, or other small invertebrates they may view as food. Like all puffers, they require a varied diet that includes hard-shelled foods to help naturally wear down their continuously growing beak.

Quick Facts

Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive
Maximum Size: Approximately 8 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Diet: Carnivore (hard-shelled crustaceans, mollusks, shrimp, frozen meaty foods)
Reef Safe: No

Reef Compatibility

Reef Aquarium: Not recommended. The Web Burrfish may consume ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, tube worms, and other beneficial invertebrates, making it unsuitable for most reef aquariums.

Corals: Generally ignores corals but may accidentally damage them while searching for food. Its appetite for invertebrates makes it a poor choice for reef systems.

Fish Tank Mates: Best kept with peaceful to semi-aggressive fish too large to be considered prey, including tangs, angelfish, larger wrasses, rabbitfish, foxfaces, and triggerfish with similar temperaments. Avoid very small fish that could be swallowed, as well as highly aggressive species that may harass the burrfish.

Sensitive Invertebrates: Not safe with shrimp, crabs, snails, clams, feather dusters, or other ornamental invertebrates, as these are natural prey items.

Experience Level

Intermediate

The Web Burrfish is a hardy species that adapts well to aquarium life, but its specialized dietary needs and eventual adult size make it best suited for aquarists with some marine fishkeeping experience. Providing a varied diet of hard-shelled foods is essential for maintaining healthy teeth, and a secure aquarium with stable water quality will allow this engaging fish to thrive for many years.

With its remarkable personality, striking web-like pattern, and interactive behavior, the Web Burrfish is an unforgettable centerpiece for large fish-only marine aquariums.