Page 252 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

250 MARINE FISH DIRECTORY

BOXFISH AND PORCUPINEFISH

These fish have a distinctive appearance and can
become surprisingly tame in aquarium surroundings.
Characterized by a lack of streamlining, they cannot
swim quickly to escape danger. They do, however,
have other means of protection, such as the sharp
spines of the porcupinefish. Take special care when
catching and handling fish of this group, since many
will release a poisonous mucus that, in the confines of
an aquarium, will be deadly both to themselves and to
the other tank inhabitants. The powerful jaws and teeth
reflect their natural diet of marine crustaceans and
mollusks. Aquarium specimens need similar foods in
order to prevent their teeth from becoming overgrown.
The square body shape of the Scribbled Boxfish (Ostracion solorensis),
combined with weak fins, makes this fish a sluggish swimmer.

Diodon holocanthus Ostracion cubicus Ostracion meleagris
Spiny Puffer Spotted Cube Blue Boxfish

ORIGINS Circumtropical, occurring in the Pacific and ORIGINS East Africa and the Red Sea through the Pacific ORIGINS From East Africa across the Pacific, via
Eastern Atlantic; also Florida and the Bahamas to Brazil. to the Ryukyu Islands, east to Hawaii and Tuamotu. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and Hawaii to Mexico.
SIZE 9 in (22.5 cm). SIZE 18 in (45 cm). SIZE 6 ⁄4 in (16 cm).
1
DIET Plant matter and larger live foods. DIET Algae and various marine foods. DIET Omnivorous; fresh and thawed food, plus algae.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.3–8.4) with SG 1.023–1.027. (pH 8.3–8.4) with SG 1.023–1.027. (pH 8.3–8.4) with SG 1.023–1.027.
TEMPERAMENT Do not mix with invertebrates. TEMPERAMENT Individuals can live with docile tankmates. TEMPERAMENT Can live with nonaggressive companions.
The sharp teeth of these porcupinefish mean Male and female Blue Boxfish look significantly
that, as with other larger members of this different, with only males displaying the blue
group, all electrical aquarium cabling should coloration. In contrast, females have white spots
be protected, in case they attempt to bite on a brownish-black background. Little is known
through it. Cloudy eyes are a sign that about their reproductive behavior, and breeding
porcupinefish have been kept in suboptimal in the tank is unlikely, as with other boxfish.
water conditions. The total nitrate level must be They are easy to maintain but must not be housed
kept below 20 ppm, with a water change of about Juvenile with invertebrates, which form part of their
20 percent being advisable every two weeks. coloration diet in the wild.
Fan-shaped
Only young fish of this species (pictured) display dorsal fin
the stunning yellow coloration. Adults are
dramatically different, with bluish bodies and pink-
humped noses. In mature specimens, the yellow
areas are limited to mere lines, mainly on the sides
of the face and at the base of the caudal fin. Do not
mix this boxfish or similar species with cleaner
fish, such as gobies or wrasse, since the cleaners will
damage their thin skin. Male coloration

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