The longspine burrfish (Chilomycterus scolopspilus), a member of the porcupinefish family, is recognized for its rounded body covered in long, rigid spines and its ability to inflate itself as a defense mechanism. Found primarily in the warm coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, especially from southern California to Peru, this species is not a major target of commercial fisheries due to its tough, spiny exterior and the presence of tetrodotoxin, which can make it toxic if consumed. However, some artisanal and subsistence fisheries in countries such as Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru occasionally catch longspine burrfish, usually as bycatch in nets or traps targeting other species. In these regions, the fish may be used locally for food, traditional medicine, or as curios, but it is not a significant contributor to the international fishing industry. The limited targeted harvest reflects both the species' ecological niche and the caution exercised due to potential toxicity.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 10 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.