Shortnose Boxfish
Ostracion nasus
- Group: Boxfish
- Typical depth: 2–80 m
- Max size: 30 cm
- For divers: dangerous
Encased in a rigid bony box, this boxfish moves over rocky and sandy ground on flickering fins rather than a flexible body. It lives alone, often in silty bays and over muddy coastal bottoms. Like its relatives it can release a toxin into the surrounding water when stressed.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Tetraodontiformes › Ostraciidae › Ostracion
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 219906.
FAQ
- How deep does the Shortnose Boxfish live?
- The Shortnose Boxfish (Ostracion nasus) is typically found at 2–80 m.
- Is the Shortnose Boxfish dangerous to divers?
- The Shortnose Boxfish can be dangerous; divers should keep their distance.
- How big does the Shortnose Boxfish get?
- The Shortnose Boxfish grows to about 30 cm.