The boxfish is one of the most intriguing and unique fish species that you can keep in your aquarium. They are not exactly ordinary fish because of their distinct box-shaped bodies, and their behavior is somewhat unconventional.
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Unfortunately, however, these fish have proven themselves quite difficult to keep in captivity, and successful maintenance of these fish will take careful attention to their environment – boxfish environmental parameters, diet, tank mates, and boxfish care. This article will tell you the basics on how to keep boxfish in a tank, such as boxfish takes a walk, their habitat requirements, etc.
Boxfish environmental parameters
Boxfish Environmental Parameters
Being boxfish, they are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters. For their health, they need to be put in captivity, but, in captivity, they need the right environment.
- Water Temperature
Tropical fish, including boxfish, live in warm waters. The box fish tank should have a temperature of 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C). The temperature range simulates the tropical waters that they inhabit and supports their metabolic functions.
- Water Salinity
As boxfish are marine fish, they need saltwater conditions. For boxfish, the optimum salinity is 1.020 to 1.025 specific gravity. Such salinity will support their bodily functions intact and free from stress.
- pH and Alkalinity
In most saltwater aquarium setups, the pH is typically between 8.1 and 8.4, and it is the preferred pH range by boxfish. Also, water should not come in contact with a pH stabilizer and should be well buffered to stabilize alkalinity at around 8 and 12 dKH. Also, it won’t take much to stress boxfish when there are sudden changes in pH.
- Water Filtration
Because boxfish are quite sensitive to water quality, they require good filtration. A good filtration system should filter the water in a way that it remains clean, clear, and well-oxygenated. An excellent quality protein skimmer will assist in removing organic waste and with pristine water.
- Tank Size
Of the boxfish species, they can achieve a growth of up to 8–12 inches. So providing them with suitable space is quite important. For smaller species, a minimum of 75 gallons is recommended; for larger species, sometimes 100 gallons or better. It means more space and easier swimming, and produces less risk of territorial behavior.
Boxfish habitat
Boxfish Habitat and Food
The natural habitat of boxfish is usually in shallow waters of the coast, coral reefs, and lagoons where they settle amongst rocks, coral, and sand. Having that boxfish mimic this environment in your tank will make them feel at home.
Habitat Setup
Box fish can be kept in a reef-style setup where hiding places are plentiful, such as live rock, caves, and overhangs. It gives them a place where they can retreat when they feel threatened. Boxfish can easily scratch themselves on sharp objects, so it is important to provide soft corals or artificial decorations that won’t harm their very sensitive skin.
Diet
In the wild, boxfish are omnivores, feeding on small invertebrates, algae, and detritus. If they are in captivity, their diet should be balanced to meet their essential nutritional needs. High-quality pellet food, live or frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and marine algae should be provided in a combination. Boxfish will also graze on seaweed sheets like nori throughout the day.
Small frequent meals should be given to them to prevent them from being overfed and always get adequate nutrition into them. Failing to avoid large chunks of food can harm their delicate digestive systems.
Why Boxfish Take a Walk About (Their Walking Behavior)
The walking behavior of boxfish is well known, as they ‘walk’ along the substrate using their pectoral fins. Most often observed in the wild, but boxfish will sometimes behave in this manner in the tank. The ‘walk’ has nothing to do with some sort of stress but is instead a natural behavior of these fish while searching for food along the ocean floor.
This walking is very entertaining to watch – however, to do so, your boxfish tank setup must have enough space and substrate for your boxfish to explore. In addition, the boxfish will, on occasion, move in short bursts toward food or explore their environment.
Boxfish takes a walk
Boxfish Tank Mates
Selecting suitable tank mates is of utmost importance when keeping boxfish. Despite the name, boxfish aren’t typically aggressive, but they do need to be desensitized so they’re not sensitive and will stress easily when housed with non-compatible tank mates. Moreover, they may also exhibit territorial behavior to a certain extent, particularly if they are kept in smaller tanks.
Compatible Tank Mates
- Peaceful, non-aggressive fish like wrasses, blennies, and gobies are excellent choices.
- Cleaner shrimp can help maintain the boxfish’s health by removing parasites and debris from their skin.
- Soft corals and invertebrates can coexist with boxfish, provided they don’t pose a threat.
Fish to Avoid
Be sure not to associate your boxfish with aggressive species or fin-nipping, such as damselfish, angelfish, and lionfish. However, it can stress the boxfish or, even worse, bite damage the very delicate skin of this marine creature.
Further, be wary when you introduce a new fish tank, as Boxfish may be aggressive toward them, even in the initial sense.
How to Keep Boxfish Thrive (Tips for a Long Lifespan)
Boxfish are relatively hardy but do require consistent care to thrive in an aquarium setting. By maintaining stable water parameters, providing a proper diet, and ensuring a stress-free environment, you can ensure that your boxfish lives a long and healthy life.
Key Tips for Thriving Boxfish
- Stable Water Conditions: Regularly monitor and maintain boxfish environmental parameters, such as water parameters, temperature, salinity, pH, and ammonia levels.
- Regular Water Changes: Perform weekly water changes of 10-15% to maintain water quality.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Boxfish prefer a less crowded environment, so avoid overstocking the tank with too many fish.
- Gentle Tankmates: Choose tank mates that are not aggressive or likely to bully the boxfish.
- Proper Feeding: Feed your boxfish a varied diet of high-quality foods and monitor their feeding habits to ensure they aren’t overeating.
- Regular Tank Maintenance: Keep the tank free of excess waste, detritus, and debris that could harm the boxfish or their environment.
Boxfish generally live for 10–15 years in captivity with the right care, but their lifespan can be affected by poor water quality or an inappropriate tank environment. By following the above guidelines, you can help them live a long and healthy life.
boxfish care
Boxfish Care Sheet (Care for All Boxfish Species)
Here is a quick care sheet for the most commonly kept boxfish species:
- Species: Ostracion cubicus (Yellow Boxfish), Ostracion meleagris (Spotted Boxfish), and others.
- Size: Typically 6–12 inches (15-30 cm).
- Tank Size: Minimum 75–200 gallons (larger tanks are better).
- Water Temperature: 75°F – 80°F (24°C – 27°C).
- pH: 8.1–8.4.
- Salinity: 1.020–1.025.
- Diet: Omnivorous (high-quality pellets, brine shrimp, algae, etc.).
- Tankmates: Peaceful fish and invertebrates; avoid aggressive species.
- Lifespan: 10–15 years with proper care.
Closing Remarks
A boxfish is a wonderful, even thrilling, saltwater aquarium species with an attractive and interesting appearance. Giving your boxfish the right environment and compatible tank mates is sure to make it live in your aquarium for many years. When viewed with the quirkiness that includes an “occasional walk”, boxfish will become a captivating centerpiece in your marine setup. Therefore, if you would like to give it a try, give the best care to the boxfish to let them survive.
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