The oceans are home to thousands of creatures of all shapes, sizes, and colours. One small, but magnificent creature is the boxfish. As the name suggests, they are shaped like boxes and are generally 2-18 inches in length depending on age. They are poisonous and when threatened secrete proteins from their skin called “ostracitoxin” which is toxic to fish in the surrounding area. Their colourful bodies with spots are to warn other fish to stay away, so they do not get poisoned.
Boxfish feed mostly on algae but are known to also feed on other organisms such as sponges and mollusks. They are solitary animals, who meet up in the spring to mate. The ratio is generally 1 male to every 2-4 females.
Come dive with us and get the chance to see some of these beauties.