Blue-spotted Boxfish

A small, brilliantly-coloured boxfish with a rigid bony "box" body structure. Males are bright blue with yellow polka dots; females are brown with white dots. Found on the Gulf of Oman reefs. Releases ostracitoxin from skin when stressed — do not handle.

Species Stats

Diet

Sponges, algae, worms, small crustaceans

Habitat

Coral reefs, rocky areas with coral

Local Name (Arabic)

أبو صندوق

Fun Facts

• 1

  The box-like body is formed from fused bony plates — no flexibility in the trunk at all.

• 2

  When stressed or killed, it releases a toxic mucus (ostracitoxin) that can kill other fish in the same aquarium.

• 3

  Propels itself using only the dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins — the tail is only used for bursts of speed.

Research Papers

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