Cyclichthys orbicularis

Cyclichthys orbicularis (Bloch, 1785)
Birdbeak burrfish

photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:	Diodontidae (Porcupinefishes (burrfishes))
Max. size:	30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:	reef-associated; marine; depth range 9 - 170 m
Distribution:	Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to the Philippines, north to southern Japan, south to Australia and New Caledonia (Ref. 9680). Southeast Atlantic: south coast of South Africa (Ref. 4423).
Diagnosis:	Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 10-12. Adults brown to grey with blotches and clusters of black spots on back and sides; pelagic juveniles covered with black spots (Ref. 4423). Description: Characterized by having scattered, moderately long, immovable spines on head and body, non wholly on caudal peduncle; short tube with two openings, nostril opening (Ref. 90102).
Biology:	Inhabit clear protected reefs with sponge and algal habitats. Often in large sponges during the day (Ref. 48637). Usually over sand and mud bottoms to at least 170 m (Ref. 30573). Occasionally on reefs (Ref. 9680). Active at night, feeding among reefs (Ref. 48637). A nocturnal species (Ref. 9710) that presumably feeds on hard-shelled invertebrates (Ref. 9680, 48637).
IUCN Red List Status:	Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 August 2023 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:	harmless

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