| Family: |
Ostraciidae (Boxfishes) |
| Max. size: |
35 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 35 - 50 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-West Pacific: East Africa to Indonesia, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Has a large protuberance on the snout (Ref. 37816).
Description: Characterized further by adult having mainly blue-grey body color with blue lines bordering hexagonal plates of carapace; smaller fish whitish to bluish grey color with numerous, large brown or greyish polygons and small black spots, often in clusters of four; quadrangular carapace in cross section, becoming oval anteriorly; concave sides and ventral surface; relatively sharp lateral and pelvic ridges; low and inconspicuous dorsal ridge; anal fin behind level of last dorsal ray; adult snout produced into large conical protuberance, overhangs mouth; rounded caudal fin (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits rubble substrates in channels between sheltered inner reefs or in deep sandy lagoons around coral patches (Ref. 48637). Solitary or in pairs (Ref. 90102). Generally uncommon species (Ref. 9710) that inhabits coral reefs and flat bottoms in coastal areas. Feeds on benthic invertebrates. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 14 August 2023 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
venomous |
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