Deepwater Burrfish

Fascinating facts about the Deepwater Burrfish

• At just under 20 inches long, the deepwater burrfish can puff up like a porcupine, turning its modest body into a spiky sphere that snags easily in fishing nets.
• Living between 131 and 886 feet below the surface, this fish inhabits areas off the continental shelf.
• Found off southern Australia, central and northern New Zealand, and the Tasman Sea.

At a glance

About the Deepwater Burrfish

The deepwater burrfish (Allomycterus pilatus) is a striking member of the porcupinefish family Diodontidae, distinguished by a coat of rigid spines that jut from its skin like a living burr. Growing to a total length of about 50 cm (19.7 inches), this solitary fish is the sole representative of its genus, a fact that underscores its evolutionary distinctiveness. Its body can be rapidly inflated, a defensive maneuver that not only makes the spines stand out like a hedgehog’s coat but also renders the fish difficult for predators, and unsuspecting fishermen, to handle. This inflation ability, combined with its spiny armor, makes the deepwater burrfish notoriously prone to becoming entangled in fishing nets, a hazard that highlights its delicate interaction with human activity. Inhabiting the cool, dimly lit waters off southern Australia, central and northern New Zealand, and across the Tasman Sea, Allomycterus pilatus dwells at depths ranging from 40 to 270 m (131 to 886 ft) along the continental shelf. The species favors the benthic zones where the seafloor offers both shelter and a hunting ground, though the article does not detail its specific diet. Its presence in these relatively deep, offshore habitats suggests a life adapted to low-light conditions and the subtle currents that sweep the shelf edge, a realm where the burrfish’s unique armor and inflatable defense serve as both protection and a curious spectacle for the few who encounter it.

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