Spotted Boxfish
Ostracion meleagris
- Group: Boxfish
- Typical depth: 0–30 m
- Max size: 25 cm
- For divers: dangerous
- IUCN status: LC
Boxed inside a rigid shell of fused plates, the spotted boxfish swims with quick flutters of its fins rather than bending its body. Males patrol clear lagoon and seaward reefs more openly while females stay close by, and when stressed the skin releases a toxin that can poison nearby fish.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Tetraodontiformes › Ostraciidae › Ostracion
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 219905.
FAQ
- How deep does the Spotted Boxfish live?
- The Spotted Boxfish (Ostracion meleagris) is typically found at 0–30 m.
- Is the Spotted Boxfish dangerous to divers?
- The Spotted Boxfish can be dangerous; divers should keep their distance.
- How big does the Spotted Boxfish get?
- The Spotted Boxfish grows to about 25 cm.