Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Tetraodontiformes

Family: Ostraciidae

Genus: Ostracion

Species: O. cubicus

Physical Description

Ostracion cubicus can be easly identified by it’s unique box shaped body with bright colouration most of them have black spots on them. Juveniles bright yellow with black spots, the spots decrease proportionately and the bright yellow becomes a dirty mustard with growth; large adults become bluish with yellowish seams between the plates. The adult appears more elongated and looks much different in color scheme, with larger fins and a thicker caudal fin base in proportion to the body. It have large bulge eye with a protruding mouth.

Biology and Behavior

These are benthopelagic organism, and leads a solitary life. This fish uses its mouth to blow tiny jets of water into the muddy or sandy bottom, stirring the small invertebrates composing its diet. Feed primarily invertebrates, mollusks, sponges sand dwelling polychaetes, crustaceans, foraminiferans, and fishes. Juveniles expatriating to subtropical zone from the pelagic larval stage. Small juveniles secretive in narrow crevices. Ostracion cubicus can produce a toxic exudate (Ostracitoxin) if disturbed.

Habitat and Distribution

Ostracion cubicus is Inhabit in lagoon and semi-sheltered seaward reefs. Juveniles often among Acropora corals. It can be seen in places like The Indo-Pacific, Persian Gulf, Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian and Tuamoto islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to Lord Howe Island.

Reference:

http://www.fishbase.org/summary/6555

https://www.petcha.com/care-tips-for-the-yellow-spotted-polka-dot-boxfish-ostracion-cubicus/