Fin's Fish Guide
The Shortnose boxfish (Rhynchostracion nasus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ostraciidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The shortnose boxfish is a boxfish from the western Pacific, ranging from Sri Lanka and Sumatra to Fiji and the Philippines. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a box-shaped body encased in a bony carapace, with a small protuberance above the mouth and a concave snout profile. It lives on rocky and sandy reef bottoms between 2 and 80 metres depth, usually solitary. When stressed the skin secretes a toxin (ostracitoxin) that can kill other fish; the flesh is also poisonous and inedible. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Shortnose boxfish?
The Shortnose boxfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Angular box-shaped bony armour; secretes a lethal skin toxin (ostracitoxin) when stressed
Where does the Shortnose boxfish live?
The Shortnose boxfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Shortnose boxfish get?
The Shortnose boxfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Shortnose boxfish dangerous to humans?
The Shortnose boxfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat: both the skin and flesh contain ostracitoxin. Do not keep the fish with others in the same tank, as the released toxin can kill them. If swallowed, seek medical help.
Is the Shortnose boxfish edible?
The Shortnose boxfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Ostraciidae
Want the complete picture on the Shortnose boxfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shortnose boxfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.