---
title: Boxfishes (Ostraciidae)
scientific_name: Ostraciidae
common_name: Boxfishes
rank: Family
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-03T20:49:01.723Z
tags: Boxfishes, Ostraciidae, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/boxfishes
---

# Boxfishes (*Ostraciidae*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Family
- **Scientific name:** Ostraciidae
- **Body shape:** Box - Rigid, boxy or globe-like body that cannot bend - boxfishes, puffers, porcupinefishes.
- **Species listed here:** 5

## How to recognise this group

- rigid, box-like body outline
- small, paddle-like fins
- small, downturned mouth
- slow, deliberate swimming movement

Boxfishes (Ostraciidae) are small to medium-sized bony fishes with distinctive box-like bodies. Their bodies are encased in a rigid, armor-like carapace formed from fused hexagonal or pentagonal plates, which serves as a primary defense mechanism. This group includes species reaching up to 45 cm (18 in) in total length, featuring compact bodies, small fins, and a short, downturned mouth. Coloration varies widely among species and with age; juveniles of some species display bright yellow with black spots, while adults often appear mottled brown or grey, adorned with intricate patterns.

These fishes inhabit sheltered lagoons, inner reefs, and rubble areas, typically living at depths from 1 to 40 meters (3-130 ft). Their movement is slow and deliberate, propelled by their small pectoral fins, which contributes to a somewhat clumsy appearance. Adults are typically solitary or found in pairs, though juveniles may form small groups. Boxfishes are omnivorous, feeding on algae, small invertebrates, and tiny crustaceans. When stressed or injured, they can secrete potent skin toxins, including tetrodotoxin, as a defense mechanism. They are generally common throughout appropriate Red Sea habitats.


## Species (5)

- [Bluetail Boxfish (Ostracion cyanurus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/boxfishes/bluetail-boxfish)
- [Camel Cowfish (Tetrosomus gibbosus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/boxfishes/camel-cowfish)
- [Longhorn Cowfish (Lactoria cornuta)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/boxfishes/longhorn-cowfish)
- [Thornback Cowfish (Lactoria fornasini)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/boxfishes/thornback-cowfish)
- [Yellow Boxfish (Ostracion cubicum)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/boxfishes/yellow-boxfish)

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/boxfishes)*
*Updated: August 3, 2026*