Is the yellow boxfish poisonous?

When stressed, it can release a toxic mucus (pahutoxin) that is dangerous to other fish sharing its tank, which is why aquarists keep it carefully.

Why does the yellow boxfish have a box-shaped body?

Its rigid, hexagonal-plated carapace protects it from predators; the shape has also proven so hydrodynamically efficient that engineers have referenced it in car and vehicle design.

Where is the yellow boxfish found?

It ranges across the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii, Japan, and northern New Zealand, typically on reefs at depths of 1-75 m.

Yellow Boxfishミナミハコフグ

Ostracion cubicusLC— Least Concern

The yellow boxfish is a slow-swimming reef fish encased in a rigid, box-shaped skeleton studded with bright yellow and black markings — a body plan so aerodynamically efficient it has inspired concept-car design.

Yellow Boxfish (reference photo) — Photo: J. Petersen / CC BY 2.5 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Tetraodontiformes / Ostraciidae Source
Distribution: Widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to South Africa, Hawaii, Japan, and northern New Zealand, found on coastal and offshore reefs and flat seabeds at depths of 1-75 m. Source

Did You Know?

When stressed, it can secrete a mucus containing the neurotoxin pahutoxin, which in a confined aquarium can be lethal to tankmates. Source
Its boxy, hydrodynamically efficient body shape has inspired engineering design, including a 2006 Mercedes-Benz concept car modeled on the fish, as well as applications in box-girder bridge and airship design. Source

Where to See This Species

0 facilities · 0 individuals

Verified individual animals and facilities will be added as official information becomes available.

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

IUCNレッドリストではLC。サンゴ礁の劣化と観賞用採集が保全上の課題となる。

Habitat

インド太平洋のサンゴ礁・礁池。

Threats

サンゴ礁の劣化と観賞用採集

Conservation & Breeding Efforts

生息地の保全と個体群の継続的な把握
四角い体で小さなひれを使って泳ぐ姿が見どころで、成長に伴う色や模様の変化も観察できる。水槽では急な驚きによる行動も避けられるよう配慮される。

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

Is the yellow boxfish poisonous?: When stressed, it can release a toxic mucus (pahutoxin) that is dangerous to other fish sharing its tank, which is why aquarists keep it carefully. Source
Why does the yellow boxfish have a box-shaped body?: Its rigid, hexagonal-plated carapace protects it from predators; the shape has also proven so hydrodynamically efficient that engineers have referenced it in car and vehicle design. Source
Where is the yellow boxfish found?: It ranges across the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii, Japan, and northern New Zealand, typically on reefs at depths of 1-75 m. Source

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org