| Family: |
Ostraciidae (Boxfishes) |
| Max. size: |
50 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 152.4 g |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 80 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: New Jersey, USA and Bermuda to Brazil, including the Caribbean and Antilles. Occurs in the Gulf of Mexico, off Florida, 25° 16'N, 83° 37'W (Ref.78464). |
| Diagnosis: |
Bold pattern of hexagons outlined by narrow dark lines; centers and areas between hexagons pale (Ref. 26938). Purplish blue on sides and ventrally (Ref. 13442). |
| Biology: |
Occurs in clear water around coral reefs. Feeds on sponges, alcyonarians, tunicates, and shrimp. Uncommon and wary (Ref. 9710). Consumed fresh, generally roasted (Ref. 5217). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 June 2011 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
reports of ciguatera poisoning |
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