Family Diodontidae Phylum Chordata Rank Genus | Scientific name Cyclichthys Higher classification Porcupinefish | |
 | ||
Similar Cyclichthys orbicularis, Spotbase burrfish, Porcupinefish, Chilomycterus, Striped burrfish | ||
Cyclicthys is a genus of the family Diodontidae, are usually known as Swelltoads.
Contents
- The yellow spotted burrfish cyclichthys spilostylus red sea israel
- Distinguishing features
- Defensive mechanisms
- Species
- References
The yellow spotted burrfish cyclichthys spilostylus red sea israel
Distinguishing features
Fish of the genus Cyclicthys have three-rooted, rigid spines (actually modified scales) distributed over their bodies, and beak-like jaws, used to crush their hard-shelled prey (crustaceans and molluscs). They differ from the porcupinefishes of the genus Diodon, which have moveable spines.
Defensive mechanisms
Like Tetraodontidae (blowfish) they have the ability to inflate themselves. Their inflated size combined with their spines make them extremely difficult to swallow. They may be poisonous, through the accumulation of tetrodotoxin or ciguatera.
Species
There are currently 3 recognized species in this genus:
References
Cyclichthys Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA