Yellow Boxfish Ostracion cubicus

The Yellow Boxfish is native to tropical/subtropical reefs in the Indian, Pacific and Southeast Atlantic Oceans. Juveniles are bright yellow with black spots. The yellow greys and the body spots lighten to white as the fish ages.

Boxfish, related to pufferfish, have square, bony, armoured bodies that provide protection but limit mobility. They also can secrete a toxic mucus. The Yellow Boxfish grows to 45cm long.

The bright, spotted body provides a warning of toxicity to predators. They are solitary. Diet is mainly algae but includes some fish and invertebrates.