Cubicus Boxfish

Overview

Key care requirements 

• • Aquarium size: At least 250 gallons for an adult.
  • Filtration: Excellent filtration and water quality are essential, especially due to the risk of toxin release.
  • Diet: Omnivorous, requiring a mix of meaty and vegetable-based foods. Examples include mysis shrimp, spirulina, chopped squid, clams, and herbivore frozen foods. A variety of live foods is recommended for initial acclimation.
  • Tank mates: Housing it alone is strongly recommended. It can be aggressive towards timid eaters and may nip at corals or eat tubeworms. Avoid keeping it with aggressive or fast-swimming fish.
    
  • Handling and health:
    • • Handle with extreme care, as they can secrete a lethal poison if stressed or when they die.
      • Ensure a tightly sealed lid, as they can jump from the tank.
      • Adults can grow up to 18 inches, so account for their full size when planning a tank. 

What makes it “expert only” 

• Toxin risk: The primary reason it is for experts only is the release of ostracitoxin into the water when stressed or dying, which can be lethal to all other inhabitants.
• Feeding: They are often shy eaters when first introduced and require a proper diet to prevent health issues.
• Size and tank requirements: Their large adult size necessitates a massive aquarium that is not suitable for most hobbyists.