| Family: |
Ostraciidae (Boxfishes) |
| Max. size: |
30 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 37 - 110 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea (Ref. 3141) and East Africa to Indonesia, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia. Immigrated into the southeastern Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 9-10. Description: Characterized by pale grey body color with brown network of hexagons and irregular blotching often apparent on side; triangular carapace with strongly elevated dorsal ridge containing single compressed spine at apex; concave dorsal profile of snout; rounded caudal fin; large spines along dorsal and ventral ridges in postlarval juvenile (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits deep coastal slopes and sheltered muddy substrates, usually in deep water offshore, but occasionally shallow near seagrass beds with silty rubble substrates (Ref. 48637). Usually occurs in sandy bottoms in coastal waters. Solitary (Ref. 90102). Feeds on benthic invertebrates. Generally considered as trash fish; not consumed. Its flesh and organs are poisonous (IUCN, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/154933/0) however, |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
venomous |
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