Common name: Whitley's box
General information
The White-spotted Boxfish, Ostracion whitleyi, is a unique and visually striking species known for its distinct box-like shape and beautiful patterning. This species is a member of the family Ostraciidae, which includes boxfishes, cowfishes, and trunkfishes. The White-spotted Boxfish is relatively small, reaching a maximum size of around 25 centimeters (10 inches) in length. Its body is adorned with white spots against a dark background, which can vary from blue to brown, and it has a characteristic 'horned' appearance due to the protrusions on its carapace.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 25 cm (10″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots & stable water
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet with meaty foods & algae
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be aggressive towards small fish
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPufferfishTetraodontiformes
- FamilyBoxfishOstraciidae
- GenusBoxfishOstracion
- SpeciesWhitley's boxOstracion whitleyi Fowler, 1931
- SynonymsOstracion ornatus Hollard, 1857
Care
White-spotted Boxfish require a spacious aquarium 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 when stressed or if they perish in the aquarium. These toxins can harm other tank inhabitants. A varied diet of meaty foods, including shrimp, squid, and clams, is essential for their health.
Reproduction
Reproduction in the White-spotted Boxfish is not commonly observed in the home aquarium. In the wild, they are oviparous, with females releasing eggs into the water column to be fertilized by males. The larvae are planktonic before settling down and developing into juveniles.
Habitat
The White-spotted Boxfish is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to the central Pacific, including the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and western Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, often found at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters (3 to 100 feet). They prefer areas with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing.