Chilomycterus mauretanicus (Le Danois, 1954)
Guinean burrfish
Espinho,  BaiacĂș,  Porco-espinho
Chilomycterus mauretanicus
photo by Wirtz, P.

Family:  Diodontidae (Porcupinefishes (burrfishes))
Max. size:  25 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 100 m
Distribution:  Eastern central Atlantic endemic, Canary Islands to Angola, and perhaps Namibia.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Occurs mostly over sand and mud bottoms. Feeds on hard-shelled invertebrates such as mollusks (Ref. 2718). Sale of this species is banned in some countries due to belief that this species is poisonous (but documented proof is lacking). Not consumed in Africa.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 June 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  other
Country info:  Also Ref. 6951.


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