Spotted Boxfish Care Guide
Ostracion meleagris is an Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific boxfish reaching 25 cm, an omnivore that can release a toxic slime under stress.
Overview
Ostracion meleagris, the spotted boxfish, belongs to the family Ostraciidae. FishBase records it as a reef-associated species of the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific reaching 25 cm in total length. Its body is enclosed in a bony carapace giving an angular form, and it shows marked sexual dimorphism.
Taxonomy
- Family: Ostraciidae
- Genus: Ostracion
- Scientific name: Ostracion meleagris
Habitat
FishBase reports the range from East Africa to Mexico, north to southern Japan and the Hawaiian Islands and south to New Caledonia and the Tuamotu Islands. It occupies clear lagoon and seaward reefs at depths of 0-30 m, with juveniles among rocky boulders and adults on reef crests and slopes.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L (about 106 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
This omnivore consumes didemnid tunicates, polychaetes, sponges, molluscs, copepods and algae according to FishBase. In aquaria it is offered varied small meaty and algae-based marine foods two times daily.
Compatibility
FishBase describes the species as solitary, with males swimming openly while females remain nearby. It is peaceful and best kept with slow-feeding, peaceful tankmates. Aggressive fish, triggers, eels and other stress-inducing tankmates should be avoided. Wikipedia notes the toxic slime it can release, which can kill other fish.
Defence
Wikipedia reports the species is protected by a toxic slime that can be released under stress and is capable of killing other fish in a confined system.
Conservation status
FishBase lists the species as Least Concern (assessed 14 August 2023).