Fin's Fish Guide
The Shell fish (Lactophrys triqueter) is a saltwater fish of the family Ostraciidae that grows up to 47 cm.
Description
The smooth trunkfish is a boxfish of the family Ostraciidae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 47 cm and has a triangular body armoured with bony plates that gives a rigid, box-like shape, dark with white spots. It lives solitarily or in small groups on coral reefs. With a jet of water ejected from its mouth it blows small bottom animals such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms, tunicates and sponges out of the sediment. When stressed the skin secretes a toxin. The species is marketed fresh locally.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Shell fish?
The Shell fish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Box-shaped body armoured with bony plates; blows prey out of the sand with a jet of water and secretes a toxin when stressed.
Where does the Shell fish live?
The Shell fish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; coral reefs.
How big does the Shell fish get?
The Shell fish grows to a maximum of about 47 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Shell fish dangerous to humans?
The Shell fish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Shell fish edible?
The Shell fish is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Shell fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shell fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lactophrys
More from the family Ostraciidae
Want the complete picture on the Shell fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shell fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.