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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Ostraciidae (Boxfish)
Natural Range: Indian and Pacific Oceans
Depth: 3 to 98 ft. Size: 9.5 in. Jumps: No Space: 100+ gal.
Reef Safe: Caution Care Level: Difficult Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Tunicates, bristle worms, sponges, mollusks, copepods, algae
Natural History: The Blue Boxfish is generally found in inward reef zones as solitary individuals. Juveniles generally hide among rock around urchins. Adults are observed solitary or as loose groups of females that follow males.
Husbandry: The Blue Boxfish skin contains toxins (ostracitoxin ) that serve to protect it from predation. If it should die in the home aquarium it must be removed immediately to avoid tank collapse from toxin contamination. It is tolerant of other species but will likely be aggressive with its own. It will nip at tubeworm tentacles.
AKA: Black Boxfish, Whitespotted Boxfish