This is a very difficult fish to keep in the aquarium setting by any other than the most experienced aquarist. It should have a minimum of a 50 gallon tank. Use caution if placing the Boxfish in a reef tank as they will often nibble at tubeworms. When stressed, the Boxfish releases a poisonous substance, called ostracitoxin, from its mucous glands which will kill other fish in the tank very quickly.

Very little success has been achieved in breeding these fish in an aquarium. When first introduced, the Boxfish can be fed a diet of live brine shrimp or bloodworms. After acclimatization, chopped squid, clams, mussels, and herbivore preparations can be fed.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small Female: 1" to 2"; Medium Female: 2" to 3; Large Female: 3" to 5"; Male: 3" to 4"

Neil Tournoux
Alliance, OH

A very neat fish to keep in the home aquarium! Mine acclimated within a few days and began taking frozen mussle--now it eats any frozen food I put in the tank! With the proper setup, filtration, and tankmates, I don't believe this fish is any more difficult than an average fish. Just be careful to house it with peaceful tankmates that don't induce stress - it can wipe out an entire tank!