Boxfish – Yellow

Yellow Boxfish Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size:  20 Gallons (Will need to upgrade as it gets larger)

Max Size: Up to 45cm (1′ 6″)

Diet: Omnivore

Temperament: Peaceful

Lifespan: Up to 8 years

Scientific Name: Ostracion Cubicus

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Approx. Purchase Size:  Extra small: 0.5 inch – 1 inch 

The yellow boxfish, scientific name Ostracion Cubicus, is a peaceful fish. This fish has a minimum tank size of 20 gallons, this is only for a short period of time while the fish is a juvenile. Eventually the tank will need to be upgraded to 100 gallons +. They have a maximum size of 1’6” but this size is never seen in captivity and will take years to grow to their full captivity size. Yellow boxfish can live up to 8 years. Boxfish are omnivores and will prefer to eat meaty foods given to them. They will also sometimes eat algae sheets, or graze algae off the rocks. Boxfish are slow swimmers, depending on their tank mates they may need direct feedings to ensure they are getting food. As juveniles they can be fed any type of small species of frozen shrimp for example mysis or brine. As they get bigger they can be given large chunks of meat such as clams, mussels, and squid. Yellow boxfish should not be kept with any other boxfish as they become territorial. Yellow boxfish are reef safe with caution. They will nibble on tubeworms. Juvenile species are harmless to most invertebrates, small ornamental shrimp and crustaceans may become preyed upon though as they mature. Yellow boxfish have also been known to nip at corals, these situations only happen when the boxfish is not being fed enough, if they are adequately fed then they wont bother coral. Yellow boxfish can be kept in a reef tank but are well suited for FOWLR systems that will have peaceful tankmates. Boxfish prefer to have somewhere to hide but will often be swimming around the tank throughout the day. Boxfish species when stressed or injured will release toxins, this toxin is potentially harmful to other fish in the aquarium, and also itself. Boxfish have (on rare occasion) been known to kill other fish from this toxin. This toxin is not a risk to invertebrates or corals, only fish. Keeping boxfish with peaceful tank mates will ensure a stress-free life for the boxfish. The yellow boxfish is also referred to as the polka dot boxfish, cube boxfish, and the cubicus boxfish.