Ostracion nasus

Bloch, 1785

Shortnose Boxfish

Range: Western Pacific Ocean: Sri Lanka to Fiji, north to the Philippines, Palau and Truk.

Size: 12 inches (30 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits rocky and sandy areas and usually found at depths between 6 – 150 feet (2 – 45 m) where it feeds on algae, benthic invertebrates and small fishes.

General Husbandry: Not collected for the trade.

Taxonomy:

Order: Tetraodontiformes

Suborder: Tetraodontoidei

Family: Ostraciidae

Genus: Ostracion/Rhynchostracion

FYI: Shown here for identification only.

Now technically described as Rhynchostracion nasus.

When excited or threatened can release a toxin (ostracitoxin) that may kill other fish.