Fin's Fish Guide
The Smooth boxfish (Anoplocapros inermis) is a saltwater fish of the family Aracanidae that grows up to 37 cm.
Description
The smooth boxfish is a boxfish from the eastern Indian Ocean, endemic along southern Australia. The species grows to about 37 cm and has an angular body encased in a hard, bony carapace; males are often blue-grey with yellow, females and juveniles yellowish-brown with dark spots. It lives on rocky and sandy bottoms of the coastal shelf into deeper water and eats small bottom invertebrates. Because of its rigid carapace it swims slowly with sculling fins. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smooth boxfish?
The Smooth boxfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Hard bony armour; slow swimmer with fluttering fins
Where does the Smooth boxfish live?
The Smooth boxfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southern Australia
How big does the Smooth boxfish get?
The Smooth boxfish grows to a maximum of about 37 cm.
Is the Smooth boxfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Smooth 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.
Is the Smooth boxfish edible?
The Smooth boxfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Aracanidae
Want the complete picture on the Smooth boxfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smooth boxfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.