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Boxfish Black (Female)
Ostracion meleagris
Ostracion meleagris Shaw 1796, the Blue (male), Black (female) or Whitespotted Boxfish. Vying with the common Cowfish, Lactoria cornuta, for most commonly offered species in the family. Like other (demersal) Boxfish species, this one needs to be well fed… on the tank bottom, not the surface or mid-water. Take care with aggressive feeding tankmates. The Black Boxfish is actually the female of the Blue Boxfish. A beautiful species this Boxfish will adapt to captivity quite well, but sometimes takes a little longer to acclimate due to possible susceptability to shock from big changes in PH, or Alkalinity. This species does well with other peaceful community fish, and should be housed in at least a 60 gallon or more sized tank. This Boxfish should not be kept with aggressive or fast moving fishes. It is also suggested not to place this fish in a tank that houses any cleaner type fish, as they may injure the Boxfish. This boxfish can be kept as a pair, but should not be kept with other Boxfish, as they can be territorial. |
Maximum Size: the Ostracion meleagris grows up to 6 inches. Minimum Tank Size: The Boxfish Black (Female) prefers a tank of at least 60 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swi Diet: The Ostracion meleagris is a omnivore and likes to eat variety of chopped foods (meats & veggies), bloodworms or live Mysis Shrimp. Level of Care: The Boxfish Black (Female) is a high maintenance fish. Behavior: The Boxfish Black (Female) may act semi-aggressively toward other fish. It is a venomous fish, ostracitoxin. Warning signs include stress and concavity in the side walls. Hardiness: Difficult to keep in capitivity Water Conditions: Keep water quality high (SG 1.020 – 1.025, pH 8.1 – 8.4, Temp. 72 – 78 F). Range: Hawaii, Indo-pan-Pacific, East Africa to the Americas, southern Japan and the Hawaiian Islands. |