Boxfishes (Ostraciidae)

Boxfishes are a family of fish that are known for their hard, box-like carapaces, which are formed from bony plates. These fish are native to the tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. They are usually found in shallow coral reefs and lagoons, and are known for their bright colors and distinctive patterns. Boxfishes are slow-moving and generally non-aggressive. Some species of boxfish are toxic, and their secretions can be harmful to humans and other animals.

smooth trunkfish, lactophrys triqueter

The smooth trunkfish (Lactophrys triqueter) is a species of boxfish that is native to the Western Atlantic Ocean. It is a small fish that grows to a maximum length of about 12 inches (30 cm). The smooth trunkfish has a rounded, box-like body with a hard carapace that is formed from bony plates. It is typically blue or green in color, with white spots or lines on its body.

honeycomb cowfish, acanthostracion polygonius

The honeycomb cowfish (Acanthostracion polygonius) is a species of boxfish that is native to the Western Atlantic Ocean. It is a small fish that grows to a maximum length of about 8 inches (20 cm). The honeycomb cowfish has a rounded, box-like body with a hard carapace that is formed from bony plates. It is typically orange or yellow in color, with black or brown spots or lines on its body.

scrawled cowfish, acanthostracion quadricornis
scrawled cowfish, acanthostracion quadricornis

The scrawled cowfish (Acanthostracion quadricornis) is a species of boxfish that is native to the Western Atlantic Ocean. It is a small fish that grows to a maximum length of about 10 inches (25 cm). The scrawled cowfish has a rounded, box-like body with a hard carapace that is formed from bony plates. It is typically orange or yellow in color, with black or brown lines or markings on its body.

.pdfprint page