| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 300 gallons+ |
| Max Size | 12 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
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| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
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Every order ships with our standard 3-hour live arrival guarantee. Need more time? Add our 5-Day Guarantee at checkout.
Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
The Birdbeak Burrfish (Cyclichthys orbicularis) is a porcupinefish-type puffer with a rounded body covered in short spines and a light base color dotted with brown spots. It can reach about 12 inches as an adult, making it best suited for large, open aquariums.
What You’ll Observe:
- Slow, steady cruising with frequent “hovering” and close inspection of rockwork
- A clear day/night rhythm, with more movement around dusk and after lights go down
- Strong food-awareness—often watching the room and following activity near the glass
- Occasional “puffer-style” behaviors like wedging into favored spots to rest
Provide a spacious layout with sturdy rockwork and plenty of open swimming area, plus stable filtration to match a messy, meaty-feeding fish. Offer a varied menu of marine foods, and include hard-shelled items (like clams or mussels in the shell) so it can naturally wear down its beak. In a fish-only community with appropriately sized tankmates, it settles into a consistent, interactive routine.
Will a Birdbeak Burrfish inflate in the aquarium?
Most keepers report inflation is uncommon day-to-day and usually happens only when the fish is startled.
Can it learn to take food from tongs (or even “beg” at the glass)?
Many puffer and porcupinefish keepers describe them as very routine-driven and interactive at feeding time.
How often should I offer shell-on foods for beak wear?
A common approach is to rotate in shell-on items regularly alongside other meaty foods, rather than relying on only soft foods.
Why does it seem inactive during the day and then cruise more at night?
Hobbyists often note porcupine-type puffers shift activity later in the day, especially once the tank lights dim.
Is it normal for puffers to spit water or do odd “weird fish” behaviors?
Keepers frequently describe quirky, attention-getting behaviors as the fish learns your feeding schedule and presence.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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