The Puffer Forum

This little guy, Kiwi, just got moved out of his barren QT tank to temporary housing in his own 20GXT. His new tank is on a stand where we can see and photograph him without laying on the floor. He's about 3 inches (7.5 cm) long. He was sold as Cyclichthys shoephi (AKA Spiny Box Puffer or Striped Burrfish). He has some of the characteristics of Chilomycterus antillarum (Web burrfish). A query to Fishbase didn't help us determine the answer with certainty and the FAQ at http://www.wetwebmedia.com/diodontpuffers.htm shows the exact same photo for both fish. Because we weren't sure, we thought we'd put it to a vote.

I don't see the spots of the Cyclichthys schoepfi on your fish.

I'm leaning towards Chilomycterus antillarum, but it's very possible it's neither or even a hybrid.

I got a puffer the other day that looks exactly like that and I can't decide which one it is either. Mine was sold to me as a web, I can't tell the difference between the two.

I have no clue what kind it is but have to say that he is totally adorable.

C. schoepfii will have olive spots.