Boxfish

Boxfish

Boxfish are a family of several different fishes, similar to puffer fish that includes cowfish and trunkfish. They are interesting fish to watch and look distinctively like a box, thanks to their bony exoskeleton and rigid form. In the wild, they can reach lengths of around 20 inches, while those kept in an aquarium will remain much smaller. When threatened, the boxfish can secrete very poisonous venom that will kill predators.

The boxfish is generally a very shy creature that will swim away when spotted underwater. They are most likely found near coral reefs. In the Maldives, Manta Point, off of Baa Atoll, is a good place for scuba divers to spot boxfish as well as Manta Rays.