Care
In the wild, Yellow Boxfishinhabit lagoons and semi-sheltered seaward reefs, with juvenile fish livingcryptically amongst
Acropora corals.These solitary fish are considered relatively poor swimmers and for this reasonhave developed protection via toxin release. Unfortunately, keeping YellowBoxfish in the home aquarium is very risky. This is a species notorious forreadily excreting the poison ostracitoxin when stressed - a deadly toxin whichis capable of wiping out an entire tank. Never keep more than one in the sametank as bickering and subsequent ostracitoxin release is very likely to occur.If tankmates are desired, they must be peaceful so as not to harass theboxfish; however, their continued safety will be precarious, hence why aspecies-only set up is highly recommended. These fish have impressive teeth whichare used to scrape algae (containing various microorganisms) tunicates andsponges off of rocks, and this forms the bulk of the diet along with variousbivalves, snails, polychaete worms, molluscs, foraminiferans, and small fishes. Forthis reason, Yellow Boxfish are not suited to reef tanks, although there shouldbe some live rock in the tank to provide welcome shelters and grazingopportunities. The tank must be very spacious and a large open swimming areashould be provided so that the boxfish is able to swim out and about duringdaylight hours when usually they are at their most active. Despite theirless-than-nimble method of locomotion, Yellow Boxfish are capable of jumpingfrom open topped tanks, so tight fitting coverslides are a must. Care must betaken when carrying out maintenance on the aquarium, so as to keep the fish ascalm as possible. Ideally the tank will be situated where there is as littlefoot traffic going past as possible too. Lights should turn on and off verygradually via the use of a dimmer - sudden bright light can shock the boxfishinto toxin release. All foods should be offered towards the bottom of the tankto avoid the boxfish drawing in air when trying to take food from the surface.Boxfish have very small mouths and stomachs and it is of extreme importancethat they are fed small amounts throughout the day to prevent starvation(something which may not always be immediately apparent because of the rigidbony plates along the sides of the boxfish). On account of this feeding regime,highly efficient filtration and protein skimming is a must. Juveniles (aspictured above) are bright yellow with black spots; but as the fish grows, thespots disappear and the fish takes on a blue-grey appearance with patches ofsubdued yellow. Although many an aquarist has been charmed by colourful youngboxfish with their engaging, curious personalities, and somewhat cute method oflocomotion, these fish are not suitable for beginners.
Feeding
An omnivorous species thatshould be offered small meaty frozen foods such as Mysis shrimp, Spirulinaenriched brineshrimp, chopped prawns/krill/mussel/cockle/clam/squid etc as wellas herbivore foods including marine algae. Floating foods are not recommendedas the fish may ingest air. Feed small amounts several times per day.
Breeding
Unlikely to breed in the homeaquarium. It is thought that a male forms a harem with 2-4 females and the eggsare scattered in open water. The pelagic larvae are said to spend some time inthe subtropical zone before migrating back to tropical waters.
