Boxfish General description

Also known as trunkfish, cowfish and cofferfish; boxfish are a family of bony marine fish. They are characterized by their square shaped body and heavy armored scales. Due to their odd shape and heavy scales, they are extremely slow swimmers. Juveniles are more rounded in shape and exhibit brighter colorations than their adult counterparts. Various species grow to different sizes ranging from 3 to 18 inches.

Also known as trunkfish, cowfish and cofferfish; boxfish are a family of bony marine fish.

Origins

These fish originate primarily in the Pacific Ocean.

Color

Boxfishes come in a variety of colorations ranging from yellow, blue, brown and black.

Maintenance and care

One of the most important things to remember when choosing tank mates for boxfish is that they should not be kept with aggressive or predatory fish. When feeling threatened or stressed, they are known to emit a toxin through their skin which can harm and even kill other species of fish. For this reason it is best to keep them with more peaceful tank mates. These fish are generally peaceful towards other species of fish but can turn aggressive towards members of their own species. If keeping more than one in an aquarium it is advisable to only attempt to keep two or more females together.

Another important consideration when choosing boxfish is their potential size. The different species have varying sizes and it is important to research their growth potential before deciding to purchase them. They also thrive in aquariums with plenty of hiding places and open swimming areas. They also prey on invertebrates and will attempt to eat any coral in an aquarium, making them unsuitable for reef aquariums. Boxfish are hearty eaters produce a significant amount of waste making an adequate filtration system a prime concern for the aquarium.

Feeding

It is important to feed boxfish on a varied diet of both meaty and vegetarian foods. They will readily accept meaty foods such as shrimp, crab meat and mussels and green foods such as frozen peas, boiled lettuce and dried seaweed.

One of the most important things to remember when choosing tank mates for boxfish is that they should not be kept with aggressive or predatory fish.

Breeding

Breeding boxfish is not a task that has been achieved with any regularity in the aquarium.

Aquarium varieties

Yellow, Bluespotted, Longhorned, Buffalo, etc.

Photo Credit: Alfonso González/Flickr; Nemo’s great uncle/Flickr