Yellow Boxfish Care Guide
Ostracion cubicus is a cube-shaped Indo-Pacific boxfish that can release a potent skin toxin when stressed; juveniles are bright yellow, adults much larger and duller.
Overview
Ostracion cubicus is a boxfish of the family Ostraciidae with a rigid, cube-shaped carapace covering the head and body. Juveniles are bright yellow with dark spots; as the fish ages the brightness fades and very old specimens become blue-grey to black with faded yellow. The species can reach about 45 cm, so juvenile cuteness gives way to a large, demanding adult.
Taxonomy
- Family: Ostraciidae
- Genus: Ostracion
- Scientific name: Ostracion cubicus
- Common synonyms: Cubicus Boxfish, Polka Dot Boxfish
Habitat
The species has a wide Indo-Pacific distribution from the Red Sea and the east coast of Africa to Hawaii, north to Japan and south to northern New Zealand and the south coast of South Africa. It is reef-associated, found from about 1 to 50 m on sheltered coastal and offshore reefs and over flat seabed; juveniles hide among coral crevices.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 500 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
- System type: large fish-only (FOWLR)
Diet
Ostracion cubicus is an omnivore. In the wild it feeds on benthic organisms and marine algae, including worms, sponges, crustaceans, molluscs and small fish. In aquaria it is offered a varied meaty and algae-based diet two to three times daily.
Compatibility
The fish is peaceful but slow-moving. Like other boxfish it can secrete ostracitoxin, a haemolytic neurotoxin highly toxic to other fishes, when severely stressed or when it dies, which can wipe out a closed system. It is kept with peaceful tankmates, away from nippy or aggressive fish, corals and invertebrates.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2023). The species supports a significant marine aquarium trade.