Common name: Trunkfish

General information

The Spotted Trunkfish, Lactophrys bicaudalis, is a distinctive species known for its unique box-like shape and beautiful spotted pattern. This fish is a member of the family Ostraciidae, commonly referred to as boxfishes. Its rigid, bony carapace provides protection from predators, while the small, protruding fins allow for precise maneuvering but not fast swimming.

In the wild, Spotted Trunkfish are often solitary and can be seen hovering over reefs or sandy bottoms, searching for food. They have the ability to release a toxic substance, called ostracitoxin, when stressed or injured, which can be harmful to other tank inhabitants.

Care

Spotted Trunkfish require a spacious tank with plenty of room to swim and stable water conditions. They are not recommended for beginners due to their sensitivity to water quality and their potential to release toxins. A varied diet of meaty foods, including shrimp, squid, and clams, is essential for their health.

Reproduction

In their natural habitat, Spotted Trunkfish are oviparous, with females releasing eggs into the water column to be fertilized by males. Breeding them in captivity is challenging and rarely successful due to the need for precise environmental conditions.

Habitat

Native to the tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, from Florida and the Caribbean to Brazil, Spotted Trunkfish inhabit coral reefs and seagrass beds. They are typically found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 50 meters.

Hobbyists should aim to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible, with a combination of live rock for hiding and open areas for swimming.