Fin's Fish Guide
The Bluespotted boxfish (Ostracion immaculatus) is a fish of the family Ostraciidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The Bluespotted boxfish is a boxfish (Ostraciidae) from reef water of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a hard, box-shaped armour of fused bony plates from which only the fins, mouth and tail protrude, with a blue with blue spots in males, yellow-brown in females pattern. Swimming slowly with fluttering fins it blasts invertebrates out of the sand with a jet of water. Under strong stress it can release a toxin into the water that is harmful to other fish; on contact it is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bluespotted boxfish?
The Bluespotted boxfish is mainly blue.
Where does the Bluespotted boxfish live?
The Bluespotted boxfish is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.
How big does the Bluespotted boxfish get?
The Bluespotted boxfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Bluespotted boxfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Bluespotted boxfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ostracion
More from the family Ostraciidae
Want the complete picture on the Bluespotted boxfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bluespotted boxfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.