Shortnose Boxfish
NameShortnose Boxfish
Scientific NameOstracion nasus
Common NamesShortnose Boxfish, Short-nosed Boxfish, Small-nosed Boxfish
FamilyOstraciidae
OriginIndo-Pacific, Red Sea, East Africa, Japan, Australia
Temperamentpeaceful
Dietomnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)125
Max Size (Inches)12
Water TypeSaltwater
Temperature Range (°F)72-78
pH Range8.1-8.4
Compatible SpeciesPeaceful Tangs, Large Angelfish, Clownfish, Gobies, Hawkfish
Description
The Shortnose Boxfish is a distinctive marine fish characterized by its rigid, box-like body covered in a bony carapace and adorned with dark spots over a lighter background. It possesses a short snout and small fins, moving with a unique sculling motion. When stressed, this species can release a potent toxin (ostracitoxin) into the water, which can be lethal to other tank inhabitants.
