Chilomycterus reticulatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
This fish has similar proportions and attains almost the same size as the more common Spiny Porcupinefish (Diodon hystrix). The coloration, too, is similar—gray on the back with scattered small dark spots lightening to white underneath, with many dark spots on the fins. Unlike the porcupinefish, the Spotted Burrfish usually has diffuse dark bars below the eye and on the sides (though these are not evident in this picture). The biggest difference, however, is in the spines, which on the burrfish are short and permanently erected, like thorns on the stem of a rose. (The porcupinefish has long spines that usually lie flat against its body.) As with others in its family, this fish is most active at night. By day it often hovers quietly in caves and under ledges. It occurs in warm seas throughout the world, most commonly in subtropical and warm temperate regions. In Hawai`i it seen most predictably in the cooler northwestern chain; around the main islands it is uncommon to rare. Good places to look for it on O`ahu are Hanauma Bay and the caves near Portlock Point. It attains about 22 in. Photo: Hanauma Bay, O`ahu. 3 ft. (This species is described in my Hanauma Bay book, but not in Hawaii's Fishes)