Ostraciidae
The Ostraciidae, commonly known as boxfishes, are a family of marine bony fishes characterized by their unique, box-like bodies encased in a bony carapace. This carapace is a fused, solid shell that covers the entire body, leaving only the mouth, eyes, and fins exposed. The shell is highly rigid and is formed from modified scales that are fused together. Boxfishes inhabit tropical and subtropical waters around the world and are found in coral reefs, seagrass beds, and rocky shores.
Common Names
Boxfishes are also known as "trunkfishes" and "cowfishes".
Characteristics
Ostraciidae have several distinguishing features:
- Bony Carapace: The most prominent feature is their rigid, box-like carapace made of fused scales.
- Small Mouth: Boxfishes have a small, terminal mouth with small, brush-like teeth.
- Fins: They have a dorsal fin, anal fin, and a pair of pectoral fins. They lack pelvic fins.
- Coloration: Boxfishes exhibit a diverse range of vibrant colors and patterns, often featuring spots, stripes, and blotches.
- Size: They range in size from a few inches to several feet in length, depending on the species.
- Venomous Spines: Some species have venomous spines located on their carapace, which are used as a defense mechanism.
Environment
Boxfishes are primarily found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They prefer shallow, coastal habitats, including:
- Coral Reefs: These are the most common habitat for boxfishes, where they feed on algae, invertebrates, and small fish.
- Seagrass Beds: Some species inhabit seagrass beds, where they forage for food and find shelter among the grasses.
- Rocky Shores: Boxfishes can also be found in rocky shores, where they hide in crevices and under rocks.
References
Wikipedia: Ostraciidae
FishBase: Ostraciidae
NCBI Taxonomy: Ostraciidae