Black Boxfish

Ostracion meleagris

Identification	Males are stunning: jet-black body covered in vivid white spots on the sides, with blue and yellow highlights on the back. Females and juveniles are dark brown with white spots throughout.
Maximum Length	Up to 10 inches (25 cm)
Origin	Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific — widespread
Minimum Tank Size	100 gallons
Reef Compatible	With caution

Behavior

Also called the Spotted Boxfish. Males are among the most colorful fish in the sea. Like all boxfish, it swims by moving its pectoral and dorsal fins in a rowing motion — distinctive and almost hypnotic. Peaceful toward most tank mates.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivore. Feeds on sponges, tunicates, small molluscs, and algae. Offer varied diet of frozen mysis, brine shrimp, marine algae, and quality omnivore preparations.

Cautions

Can release ostracitoxin (a toxic mucus) when severely stressed or dying, which can kill all fish in the tank. Ensure stress-free acclimation and stable water quality. Not safe with aggressive fish that will harass it.