Ryan Photographic - Ostraciidae - Boxfishes

Family Ostraciidae

According to Fishbase there are currently 25 species of ostraciids, distributed in 8 genera. They are known by a variety of common names including trunkfish, boxfish and cowfish. They are all characterized by a carapace formed from plate-like, hexagonal scales. The fins, eyes and mouth protrude from this shelter. This armor, together with often toxic skin secretions, makes them relatively immune to predation - but obviously not totally, or the seas would be boxfish soup. The young ostraciids are "cute" as they are typically almost spherical and with bright color patterns unrelated to their adult form. These youngsters, despite their small size, or highly manoveurable and difficult (in my opinion) to photograph. I haven't got a good shot yet but when I do it will be posted here.

Lactophrys bicaudalis Spotted trunkfish

Lactophrys polygonia Honeycomb cowfish

Lactophrys trigonus? Trunkfish

Lactoria cornuta Longhorn cowfish

Ostracion cubicus Yellow boxfish

Ostracion meleagris Spotted boxfish

Ostracion meleagris Spotted boxfish

Ostracion solorensis Solor boxfish

Fishes

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