Fin's Fish Guide
The Horn-nosed boxfish (Ostracion rhinorhynchos) is a saltwater fish of the family Ostraciidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Description
The horn-nosed boxfish is a boxfish from the Indo-West Pacific, from East Africa to Indonesia, north to Japan. The species grows to about 35 cm and has a box-shaped body encased in a bony carapace with a conspicuous horn-like projection on the snout. It lives on deeper reef and sandy bottoms between about 35 and 50 metres and eats bottom invertebrates. Like other boxfishes it secretes a toxic skin mucus (ostracitoxin) when stressed that can kill other fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Horn-nosed boxfish?
The Horn-nosed boxfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Horn-shaped snout projection; bony armour; secretes toxic skin mucus
Where does the Horn-nosed boxfish live?
The Horn-nosed boxfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Horn-nosed boxfish get?
The Horn-nosed boxfish grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.
Is the Horn-nosed boxfish dangerous to humans?
The Horn-nosed boxfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not keep the fish with others in the same tank: when stressed the skin releases ostracitoxin that can kill them. Do not eat the fish; seek medical help if swallowed.
Is the Horn-nosed boxfish edible?
The Horn-nosed boxfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Horn-nosed boxfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Horn-nosed boxfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Horn-nosed boxfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Horn-nosed boxfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.