Fish Identification Photos: Pacific Burrfish, Spotfin Burrfish, Chilomycterus affinis: The Pacific Burrfish is characterized by its numerous, short, immovable (fixed) three-based spines (in contrast to the Balloonfish, Diodon holocanthus, which has longer movable two-based spines), dark spots covering its head, body, and fins, and a subtle band between its eyes.

The Pacific Burrfish is very similar in appearance to the Spotfin Porcupinefish, Diodon hystrix, being grey on the back, grading to a white belly. The Pacific Burrfish can also be easily confused with several related puffers including the Balloonfish and the Spotfin Porcupinefish.

The Pacific Burrfish is found around coral and rocky reefs in shaded, protected recesses and is normally found in the first 100 feet of the water column. It reaches a maximum length of approximately 20 inches and 4 pounds.

In Mexico, the Pacific Burrfish is found in all areas, including the oceanic islands, with the exception of the northern one-fourth of the Sea of Cortez. The Pacific Burrfish is a member of the Tetraodontidae or Pufferfish Family.

Note: Like many puffers, the Pacific Burrfish is reputed to be highly poisonous, even fatal, if eaten, due to the presence of tetrodotoxin believed to protect it from predation by larger fish.

Pacific Burrfish, Spotfin Burrfish, Chilomycterus affinis: Caught from shore in the last hour of daylight, in December 2001, in 76-degree, 20 to 30-foot deep water, utilizing a 15-pound test fish finder rig, 1-ounce barrel sinker, swivel, three feet of 6 pound test line, and Mustad 92553 hook, size #6, on cut squid at Km. 14 (Twin Dolphins) between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Size approximately 10 inches and one pound. Imitates a log on the way in. A definite “catch and release.” Reported to contain “highly toxic” components. A fish with a definite personality that is quite photogenic. Description and photo courtesy John Snow.