Scribbled Boxfish

The Scribbled Boxfish is an endearing and distinctive member of the boxfish family, named for the intricate network of blue-gray scribbled lines and markings that adorn its yellowish to tan body. These delicate, maze-like patterns give the fish the appearance of having been hand-drawn by an artist, making it one of the more visually unique boxfish in the marine hobby. Like other boxfish, it has a rigid, bony carapace and propels itself through the water with small, rapidly oscillating pectoral and caudal fins.

At a maximum size of approximately 5 inches, the Scribbled Boxfish is among the smaller species in the Ostraciidae family and can be housed in a 75-gallon or larger aquarium. In the wild, it inhabits sheltered coral reefs and lagoons across the Western Pacific, where it feeds on a mixed diet of algae, small crustaceans, tunicates, and sponges. It tends to hover near reef structures and retreat to crevices when threatened.

Despite being considered reef-safe compared to some of its relatives, the Scribbled Boxfish still possesses the family's characteristic ostracitoxin defense mechanism, which can be released when the fish is severely stressed or dying. Maintaining excellent water quality, stable conditions, and a peaceful tank environment is essential. With proper care, this species develops a curious and personable demeanor, often learning to recognize its keeper and approaching the glass at feeding time.