Chilomycterus spinosus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Species Nomenclature and Classification

Chilomycterus spinosus, sometimes called the brown burrfish, is a burrfish species belonging to the family Diodontidae.

Geographic Distribution

This species is native to the southwestern Atlantic Ocean, with a distribution ranging from Venezuela to Argentina, and also includes the island of Trinidad.

Habitat and Depth Range

It can live in both marine and brackish environments, and is most commonly found at depths between 70 meters (230 feet) and 190 meters (623 feet).

Size and Weight

Adults of this species reach a total length of 28 centimeters (11 inches), and can weigh at least 12.21 grams.

Taxonomic History

Chilomycterus mauretanicus, a species native to the eastern Atlantic, was historically classified as a subspecies of C. spinosus, but multiple sources now recognize it as a separate, valid species.