Boxfishes
(Ostraciidae)

These fishes are also called trunkfishes. This refers to the rigid armor plate that completely encases them. Only their fins, eyes and mouth are moveable. They may be square in cross-section or triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal or even round.

They are related to Pufferfishes and, like them, swim mainly using the dorsal and anal fins. Also, like them, they possess poisonous qualities to deter predators. They secrete a toxin when disturbed. This toxin (ostracitoxin) is not known to harm humans.

Spotted Boxfish
(Ostracion meleagris)

Like some members of their family this fish exhibits what is known as sexual dichromatism, which means that the sexes are of different colors. The female is black and densely covered with white spots. The male is more colorful, with dark blue sides blotched with black spots and markings. Its dorsal area is black with white spots. Its head and tail have gold trim. It is commonly found in the shallows in calm water, feeding on sponges, worms, tunicates and other small invertebrates.