The Cubicus Boxfish is also referred to as the Yellow Boxfish, Polka Dot Boxfish, or Cube Boxfish. The juvenile form is easily identifiable as having a yellow box-shaped body with brown spots. As an adult, the yellow will fade and become brown. The Cubicus Boxfish is sometimes confused with the Longhorn Cowfish, Lactoria cornuta which is occasionally also called the Yellow Boxfish.

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 125 gallon tank. Use caution if placing the Spotted Boxfish in a reef tank as they will often nibble at tubeworms. If stressed, the Cubicus 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 Cubicus Boxfish prefers a diet of live brine shrimp or bloodworms. Once acclimated, the diet should include chopped squid, clams, mussels, and herbivore preparations.

Quick Stats:
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Expert Only
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, dKH 8-12
Max. Size: 1′ 6″
Color Form: Blue, Green, Tan, Yellow
Venomous: Poisonous When Stressed or Dies
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Ostraciidae

Note: This profile is currently incomplete. Description and/or images are temporarily taken from LiveAquaria and will be replaced shortly. If you are interested in writing a new description, please contact me at info@myfishtank.net. If you have any experience with this particular fish, please leave a comment below and share with us.

The Cowfish Longhorn inhabit the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, usually in the less turbid waters. The body is yellow and covered with white dots, and is occasionally referred to as the Yellow Boxfish; however, the Longhorn is not to be confused with Ostracion cubicus, commonly called the Yellow or Polka Dot Boxfish. In the wild, it is not uncommon to see a 20″ specimen, while in the aquarium the Cowfish Longhorn tends to be dramatically smaller - 16″ or less.

When possible, the Cowfish Longhorn should be the first fish introduced in the tank. It is intolerant of other Longhorns, so keep it in a large tank, with some live rock for algae scraping. Use caution if placing the Cowfish Longhorn in a reef tank as it may nibble on tubeworms. When housed correctly, the Cowfish Longhorn is long-lived.

Similar to other boxfish, the Cowfish Longhorn’s skin is poisonous and, when threatened, it will release a toxin lethal to other tank members, including other Longhorns.

Since they are omnivores, the Cowfish Longhorn should be offered a variety of meaty and vegetable foods. They are slow eaters, and should not be housed with aggressive eaters.

Quick Stats:
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, dKH 8-12
Max. Size: 1′ 8″
Color Form: White, Yellow
Venomous: Poisonous When Stressed or Dies
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Ostraciidae

Note: This profile is currently incomplete. Description and/or images are temporarily taken from LiveAquaria and will be replaced shortly. If you are interested in writing a new description, please contact me at info@myfishtank.net. If you have any experience with this particular fish, please leave a comment below and share with us.