Boxfish – Black
(Ostracion meleagris)

Description

Spotted Boxfish: A Captivating Gem for Expert Aquarists

Add the uniquely charming Spotted Boxfish to your display and witness its distinctive swimming style. This fascinating marine species brings exceptional personality and striking patterns to your specialized aquarium.

Overview

The Spotted Boxfish (*Ostracion meleagris*) boasts a truly unique, box-like body encased in fused bony plates. Females exhibit a striking dark brown to black coloration adorned with bright white spots. Males develop stunning blue flanks with vibrant yellow markings and white spots on their dark backs. These slow, deliberate swimmers navigate your tank with a charming, rowing motion, adding an intriguing visual dynamic. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial towards their own kind.

Care Level

Due to its specific needs and defensive toxin release, the Spotted Boxfish is for advanced aquarists. While generally peaceful, avoid housing with aggressive tank mates that could cause stress. It is not reef-safe, as it will nip corals and consume invertebrates. Best kept as a single specimen or a well-matched male-female pair.

Tank Essentials

A spacious, mature marine aquarium of at least 800 litres (approximately 200 gallons) is essential to buy Spotted Boxfish online and ensure their well-being. Maintain stable water parameters: pH 8.1-8.4 and temperature 24-27°C. Provide ample rockwork for grazing and shelter, ensuring slow water flow, and never use floating foods.

Diet

This omnivorous species thrives on a varied diet. Offer high-quality meaty foods like mysis shrimp, krill, and chopped seafood, supplemented with marine algae. Feed small portions multiple times throughout the day to meet their nutritional requirements.

Why Buy From Us

We are dedicated to providing healthy aquarium fish through ethical sourcing and rigorous quarantine protocols. Our expert team ensures your new Spotted Boxfish is acclimated properly for humane shipping, supporting its successful transition into your aquarium. Trust us for quality, care, and responsible fishkeeping. [data unavailable]

• Scientific Name: Ostracion meleagris
• Common Name / Variant: Spotted Boxfish
• Maximum Size: 25 cm
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 24–27°C
• Lifespan: Up to 8 years
• Swimming Zone: Mid

Bring the distinctive Spotted Boxfish home to your specialized marine aquarium today!