Ostracion cubicus

Datasheet

General Description

The Yellow Boxfish (Ostracion cubicus) is a species belonging to the Ostraciidae family, known for its unique square-shaped body and distinctive way of swimming. This species can grow up to 45.0cm in size and has various common names including Spotted boxfish, Cube trunkfish, and Black-spotted boxfish.

Aquarium Suitability

Aquarium suitability for the Yellow Boxfish is best suited for experienced aquarists who are prepared to provide extra care. Due to their large size when fully grown, they demand a very spacious tank of at least 800 liters. However, it is noted that their size makes it challenging to keep them in a home aquarium.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

The Yellow Boxfish is considered delicate and requires careful attention to their needs. They have a fun and interesting personality but can be a threat to crustaceans, as they have been known to eat shrimps, crabs, small bivalves, snails, and tubeworms. Additionally, they have a poisonous toxin in their skin that can be released when highly stressed or dying, posing a threat to the aquarium's inhabitants.

Reef Suitability

This species is not reef-safe due to its diet preferences and potential threat to other reef-dwelling organisms. They typically feed on large polyp stone coral (LPS), other invertebrates, and soft coral, making them unsuitable for reef environments.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for the Yellow Boxfish, it is essential to provide ample space for them to swim freely due to their poor maneuverability in strong currents. Careful attention should be paid to the water circulation within the tank to prevent the fish from getting stuck, especially near pump inlets. The water conditions should be maintained at a pH of 8.1-8.4, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12.

Behaviour

The temperament of the Yellow Boxfish is relatively unknown, but they are known to have interesting personalities. They can exhibit playful behavior but should be handled with caution due to their toxic skin secretion.

Feeding and Diet

Yellow Boxfish primarily feed on macroalgae such as seaweed or nori, as well as small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia. Providing a varied diet that includes living feed can increase the chances of success in keeping this species healthy in captivity.

Dimorphism

Information on dimorphism is not provided for the Yellow Boxfish.

Habitat and Distribution

Yellow Boxfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian and Tuamoto islands. Their distribution extends north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to Lord Howe Island. The Red Sea population of this species, known as Ostracion argus, exhibits slight coloration differences and is closely related to the main species.