| Family: |
Ostraciidae (Boxfishes) |
| Max. size: |
23 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 132 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-West Pacific: East Africa to the Hawaiian and Rapa Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island. Southeast Atlantic: sometimes reaching the southeast coast of South Africa (Ref. 3141). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Caudal fin rays 10. Strong spine on middle of dorsal ridge.
Description: Characterized further by pale brown to brownish yellow with blue spots on head and numerous irregular lines on body; carapace quadrangular in cross section, large, thorn like spine in middle at median ridge on back; short, stout spine extending anteriorly from upper edge of each eye; posteriorly directed second pair of spines, one on each side of lower rear edge of carapace; 45 degree angle to horizontal axis of body formed by dorsal profile of snout; rounded caudal fin (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Inhabit clear outer lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 1602). Benthopelagic over rubble and sand at 5-132 m (Ref. 58302). Solitary (Ref. 90102). Males are highly territorial (Ref. 9710). Poisonous in some parts of the tropics (Ref. 7364). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
venomous |
| Country info: |
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