Whitespotted Boxfish (Ostracion meleagris)
Fish in the family Ostraciidae. Hard care. Not Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Whitespotted Boxfish has a distinctive cubic body shape with a pale yellow to tan base coloration covered in white spots. Males display bright yellow coloration along the face and pectoral fins, while females remain more uniformly tan; both sexes have characteristic bony plating forming a rigid box-like carapace.
Diet and feeding
Marine algae, foraminifera, mollusks (bivalves), echinoderms (sea urchins), small crustaceans, and various types of fish eggs in the wild. In aquariums: marine algae, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and commercial fish pellets.
Difficulty and care for the Whitespotted Boxfish
The Whitespotted Boxfish is challenging to maintain because it is a sensitive, slow-moving grazer prone to stress and toxin release when threatened. It requires stable water conditions, a quiet environment, and careful tank-mate selection.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial septicemia, Parasitic infestations
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific from the Great Barrier Reef to Hawaii, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Micronesia.
Log Whitespotted Boxfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Whitespotted Boxfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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