diff --git a/code/modules/mob_spawn/mob_spawn.dm b/code/modules/mob_spawn/mob_spawn.dm
index f25cca69db9..2865fd13b4a 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob_spawn/mob_spawn.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob_spawn/mob_spawn.dm
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@
 		return
 	// SKYRAT EDIT ADDITION
 	if(restricted_species && !(user.client?.prefs?.read_preference(/datum/preference/choiced/species) in restricted_species))
-		to_chat(user, span_warning("You cannot use this role because you are not the correct species!"))
+		balloon_alert(user, "incorrect species!")
 		return
 	// SKYRAT EDIT END
 	if(prompt_ghost)