The Blue Boxfish,  Ostracion meleagris, otherwise known as the Whitespotted Boxfish, Black Boxfish, Spotted Boxfish, or the Hawaiian Blue Boxfish. This is a unique and quirky aquarium beauty with distinct sexual dimorphisms. The male is known as the Blue Boxfish, because of its stunning blue sheen with ochre spots, while the female is known as the Black Boxfish due to its black body and white spots. They can grow to be 10 inches and require a tank no less than 100 gallons if kept individually, and no less than 150 gallons if kept in a group. You can keep multiple Blue Boxfish in one tank, with one male to multiple females. They should be fed an omnivore diet, consisting of large chunks of fresh or frozen meaty foods. These foods include krill, raw table shrimp, squid, clam and mussel. You should also include occasional supplements with some type of herbivore diet containing marine algae. If underfed they will nibble on sessile invertebrates, and when stressed, release a poisonous substance from its mucous glands that is deadly to tank mates.  The Blue Boxfish can be difficult to care for, therefore we recommend this fish to be cared for by expert aquariasts.  Although the Blue Boxfish can seem difficult to keep, it can thrive if tank conditions are calibrated just right. And if kept successfully, the Blue Boxfish will undoubtedly be a centerpiece of any tank. They will thrive in a temperature range of 72-78?? F and a pH of 8.1-8.4.

Expert Only: Items designated as expert only require special care such as a species specific environment, special diet or care, and an expert level, experienced aquarist. Not for beginners. Expert Only items qualify for our live arrival guarantee only, and are exempt from our extended 8 day guarantee.