My partner and I had some time to kill before his appointment at the optickento4s, so we popped into the LFS. We had a good look around, checking prices and stock, and that's when we stumbled upon the small marine section with the fishies - long horned cowfish, bright nemos, and the like. We spotted this teeny 1-inch lionfish and were amazed by its size.
As we were checking out the top tanks, this half-inch baby yellow spotted boxfish caught our eye - it was the cutest thing ever, full of personality. I wanted to take a picture with my pLione, but the little guy kept playing hide and seek, peeking out at us but not liking the pLione being held up.
I've read that they can grow up to 18 inches in captivity - is that true? Our local aquarium has them in one of their tanks, but we've never seen them bigger than 7-8 inches, even after visiting multiple times over the years. I'm curious to know what's the largest one anyone's seen, and what their growth rate is like.
I'm really tempted to get one of these cuties, but I'd do my research first and need to save up to set up a marine tank. I'm aware that they release toxins when stressed or close to death, so if I were to get one, I'd probably keep it with some shrimp or similar. I've got a dwarf puffer tank and am setting up a SAP tank, so I'm prepared for species-only tanks.
If they're likely to reach 18 inches, I might have to pass on this little guy, as I've got my heart set on a porcupine puffer for the long term, and that would need a 100-gallon tank.
information on yellow box fish
Re: information on yellow box fish
I've seen one that was about 12 inches long, absolutely adorable, but I've read they can be quite sensitive to high flow, so they might not be the best fit for a full-on reef tank. I think it'd take a couple of years for them to grow that big, but I'm not entirely sure.
Re: information on yellow box fish
I've had experience with these lovely creatures, and I must say the largest I've personally seen is about 6 inches in length. I highly doubt they can reach the 18-inch mark, but I suppose it would be quite a sight to behold if they did.
When it comes to their care, I've found that they do exceptionally well if you can get one that's feeding properly. The smaller ones tend to adapt quite nicely to aquarium life.
One thing to keep in mind is that they do enjoy snacking on shrimp, so it's not ideal to house them with your shrimp friends. However, they get along swimmingly with small, peaceful fish that won't bother them.
As you've mentioned, these fish do release toxins when stressed or dying, but this can be effectively removed with carbon. Thankfully, they don't release these toxins often. If you do decide to bring one home, be sure to acclimate it properly, then gently scoop it out of the bag and into the tank. Dispose of the bag water by pouring it onto the garden – it's not something you want in your tank.
When it comes to their care, I've found that they do exceptionally well if you can get one that's feeding properly. The smaller ones tend to adapt quite nicely to aquarium life.
One thing to keep in mind is that they do enjoy snacking on shrimp, so it's not ideal to house them with your shrimp friends. However, they get along swimmingly with small, peaceful fish that won't bother them.
As you've mentioned, these fish do release toxins when stressed or dying, but this can be effectively removed with carbon. Thankfully, they don't release these toxins often. If you do decide to bring one home, be sure to acclimate it properly, then gently scoop it out of the bag and into the tank. Dispose of the bag water by pouring it onto the garden – it's not something you want in your tank.
Re: information on yellow box fish
Thanks so much for the info, both of you. I really appreciate it. I had seen that a 100-gallon tank was recommended, but like I said, I assumed that was based on them reaching the 18-inch mark. Does anyone know if there's a more realistic tank size recommendation for a yellow spotted boxfish, considering their actual growth rate and adult size?
I hadn't done much research on the little cutie yet, I know, I know, I'm slacking - no shrimp, got it, I'll make sure to keep that in mind when planning their tankmates.
I hadn't done much research on the little cutie yet, I know, I know, I'm slacking - no shrimp, got it, I'll make sure to keep that in mind when planning their tankmates.
Re: information on yellow box fish
In my opinion, you shouldn't consider buying a fish like that unless you're prepared to house it at its full adult size. People saying they've only seen them up to 6 inches doesn't cut it for me - that's not a reliable guide for making a decision. The fact is, they can grow up to 20 inches, so that's the size you should be planning for.
My wife and I were actually looking into getting one, thinking it would be okay to keep it solo due to the toxin issue, but after digging deeper and learning about its true adult size, we realized we just couldn't provide the right environment for it, even if it was on its own.
My wife and I were actually looking into getting one, thinking it would be okay to keep it solo due to the toxin issue, but after digging deeper and learning about its true adult size, we realized we just couldn't provide the right environment for it, even if it was on its own.
Re: information on yellow box fish
I completely understand now, it's just hard to imagine them reaching that size when I've only ever seen them at the LFS or oceanarium.
I would absolutely love to see a full-grown one, just to get an idea of how stunning they must look. That little half-inch baby I saw was just adorable, I hope it finds a great home where it'll be loved and cared for.
I did some research and found out there's a different type of boxfish that only grows up to 6 inches, which is great news. Apparently, it would need a tank of around 50 gallons, but it's a beautiful blue colour - I can only imagine how pretty it must look. I'm not sure how easy it would be to find one, but it's definitely an option.
Thanks again for all the advice, it's been really helpful. I'm thinking that by the time I'm ready to get a boxfish, I might have a 100-gallon tank set up, but I think my dream porcupine puffer will still be my top priority.
It would be amazing to be able to care for fish temporarily before they go to their forever homes - just a little dream of mine.
I would absolutely love to see a full-grown one, just to get an idea of how stunning they must look. That little half-inch baby I saw was just adorable, I hope it finds a great home where it'll be loved and cared for.
I did some research and found out there's a different type of boxfish that only grows up to 6 inches, which is great news. Apparently, it would need a tank of around 50 gallons, but it's a beautiful blue colour - I can only imagine how pretty it must look. I'm not sure how easy it would be to find one, but it's definitely an option.
Thanks again for all the advice, it's been really helpful. I'm thinking that by the time I'm ready to get a boxfish, I might have a 100-gallon tank set up, but I think my dream porcupine puffer will still be my top priority.
It would be amazing to be able to care for fish temporarily before they go to their forever homes - just a little dream of mine.
Re: information on yellow box fish
I've been doing some research on these little cuties and I'm a bit concerned, I've read that they release toxins when stressed or close to death, but is it true they can also release them when they're angry in the tank? I'm worried this could harm my other fish, like my dwarf puffer or even shrimp.
I have to say though, they're absolutely adorable, I mean I saw this tiny 1 inch lionfish and a half inch baby yellow spotted boxfish and I just fell in love with them.
I have to say though, they're absolutely adorable, I mean I saw this tiny 1 inch lionfish and a half inch baby yellow spotted boxfish and I just fell in love with them.
Re: information on yellow box fish
is it true that these guys release toxins when stressed or dying in the tank that can harm coflakes and other fish? gotta say they are cute
Re: information on yellow box fish
I completely agree with you, these yellow boxfish are adorable. As long as you've got a reliable skimmer in place, it should be fine even if they release toxins.
I came across some info on PFK - the yellow boxfish's scientific name is Ostracion cubicus, and they're originally from the Indo Pacific region. Apparently, they can grow up to 18 inches in the wild, but usually only reach around 6 inches in captivity.
A single fish or a sexed pair can be kept in a very large tank. I've seen them priced at around £10-15 for a small one. They're best kept in a fish-only tank with live rock, as they can damage inverts in a reef tank when they're larger.
Their diet consists mainly of algae, molluscs, and sponges, and they love brine shrimp and gamma shrimp. They haven't been bred in captivity yet, and as they mature, they change color and become more elongated. They do release toxins when stressed or attacked, which can harm other fish. It's recommended to keep them with peaceful fish only.
I came across some info on PFK - the yellow boxfish's scientific name is Ostracion cubicus, and they're originally from the Indo Pacific region. Apparently, they can grow up to 18 inches in the wild, but usually only reach around 6 inches in captivity.
A single fish or a sexed pair can be kept in a very large tank. I've seen them priced at around £10-15 for a small one. They're best kept in a fish-only tank with live rock, as they can damage inverts in a reef tank when they're larger.
Their diet consists mainly of algae, molluscs, and sponges, and they love brine shrimp and gamma shrimp. They haven't been bred in captivity yet, and as they mature, they change color and become more elongated. They do release toxins when stressed or attacked, which can harm other fish. It's recommended to keep them with peaceful fish only.
Re: information on yellow box fish
Off to research the giant box fish.