Origin
Native to the Indo-Pacific, including reefs around Hawaii, the Philippines, and eastern Australia. Inhabits lagoons and coral reef slopes.

Visual & Functional Appeal
Has a rigid, box-like body encased in bony plates and covered in small white or blue spots. Coloration differs between males and females, with males displaying iridescent blue bodies and females showing darker brown with white dots.

Purpose
Serves as a gentle, slow-moving presence in marine tanks. Provides contrast in movement and shape among faster, streamlined fish.

Importance
Boxfish are peaceful and unique but require informed aquarists. Their toxin-releasing defense mechanism means they must be kept stress-free and away from fin-nippers.

Included Resources
Needs excellent filtration and stable water conditions. Gentle flow preferred. Tank should have rockwork caves and low competition. Protein skimmer and UV sterilizer recommended. Avoid overstocking.

Best Use Cases
Ideal for peaceful reef or FOWLR tanks without aggressive or curious tank mates. Suitable for aquarists seeking an unusual, personality-driven marine species.

Conservation Context
Wild populations face minor harvesting pressure but are not threatened. Still, responsible sourcing is key. Captive breeding is rare but growing in marine aquaculture.

Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Peaceful gobies and blennies
• Seahorses or pipefish (with care)
• Clownfish (non-aggressive types)
• Avoid: triggers, puffers, fast wrasses, or large angels

Region (A)
• Latitude: 19.8968° N
• Longitude: 155.5828° W
(Hawaii – coastal reef systems)

Region (B)
• Latitude: -6.2088° S
• Longitude: 106.8456° E
(Indonesia – reef shallows around Java)