Yellow Boxfish
(Ostracion cubicum)

Descrição

Captivating Yellow Boxfish: A Unique Addition for Expert Marine Aquariums

The Yellow Boxfish, with its distinctive cuboid shape and evolving coloration, is a truly fascinating inhabitant for the seasoned marine aquarist. A challenging yet rewarding species, it brings a captivating presence to spacious, dedicated systems.

Overview

The Yellow Boxfish (*Ostracion cubicum*) is instantly recognisable by its unique, rigid, box-like body. Juveniles display a vibrant yellow hue adorned with numerous black spots, making them highly sought-after. As they mature, their coloration subtly shifts, often becoming a duller yellow to brownish, bluish, or grey, with spots becoming smaller or forming a honeycomb pattern. They are deliberate, somewhat slow swimmers, relying on their pectoral and dorsal fins for precise, helicopter-like movements. Adults are largely solitary.

Care Level

This species is strictly for the expert marine aquarist due to its specific needs and potential to release a neurotoxin (ostracitoxin) when severely stressed or upon death, which can be fatal to other tank inhabitants. Yellow Boxfish are generally peaceful towards heterospecifics but can be aggressive towards their own kind. They are not considered reef-safe as they will typically nip at corals, especially tubeworms, and various invertebrates.

Tank Essentials

A very large marine aquarium is essential for an adult Yellow Boxfish, with a minimum volume of 800 litres, though 2500 litres or more is highly recommended to accommodate their size and provide ample swimming space. Stable water parameters are crucial: a temperature range of 22-28°C and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025. Ensure plenty of open swimming areas alongside hiding spots.

Diet

The Yellow Boxfish is an omnivore with a herbivorous tendency. Their diet should be varied, including high-quality frozen meaty foods like mysis shrimp, krill, and chopped seafood, alongside vegetable matter such as marine algae sheets (nori). Feed small amounts multiple times a day, ensuring they get enough food as they can be slow eaters. Avoid floating foods to prevent air ingestion.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy Yellow Boxfish online from Corais de Vidro, you’re choosing healthy aquarium fish sourced with utmost care. Our strict quarantine protocols ensure robust specimens, and our humane shipping practices prioritise their well-being from our facility to your doorstep, promoting responsible fishkeeping.

• Scientific Name: Ostracion cubicum
• Common Name / Variant: Yellow Boxfish
• Maximum Size: 45 cm
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 22–28°C
• Lifespan: 10 years
• Swimming Zone: Mid–bottom

Add this extraordinary Yellow Boxfish to your expert marine aquarium today!