{"product_id":"yellow-boxfish-ostracion-cubicus","title":"Yellow Boxfish (Ostracion cubicus)","description":"\u003cp\u003eFew fish in the hobby stop people in their tracks quite like a juvenile Yellow Boxfish. Typically sold as juveniles at just a few inches in length, these boxfish are bright yellow with dark polka dots, and their interesting cube-shaped body and curious personality really make them stand out. The way they paddle around a tank, peering at everything with their high-set eyes, is genuinely one of the most endearing sights in the hobby. But the Yellow Boxfish demands full honesty in its listing, because this is a species that comes with real responsibilities and genuine risk. Too many impulsive hobbyists who succumb to the siren song of \u003cem\u003eO. cubicus\u003c\/em\u003e soon discover they have bitten off more than they can chew. This is a fish for experienced, well-prepared keepers only, and it rewards that preparation with a truly one-of-a-kind aquarium resident.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy we love it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne of the most visually unique and instantly recognizable fish in the hobby\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEndearing cube-shaped body, polka dot patterning, and oversized curious eyes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBold, engaging personality with genuine interactive behaviour toward its keeper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA conversation piece that no other fish in the tank can match for sheer novelty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRewarding long-term challenge for experienced hobbyists who do their homework\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSuggested parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature: 24 to 26°C (75 to 79°F)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSalinity: 1.025 to 1.026 SG\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH: 8.1 to 8.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlkalinity: 8 to 10 dKH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCalcium: 400 to 450 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMagnesium: 1250 to 1400 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNitrate: Under 20 ppm; stability is critical\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRobust protein skimming, chemical filtration, and regular water changes are essential given this species' intolerance of poor water conditions and toxic tendencies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and temperament\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDifficulty: Advanced\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperament: Peaceful but slow-moving; must be kept with non-aggressive, non-boisterous tankmates only\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef safe: No (will nibble at tubeworms, sponges, and small invertebrates; not suitable for reef systems)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMinimum tank size: 125 gallons for a juvenile; Yellow Boxfish can grow to almost 18 inches; a minimum of 250 gallons or larger is recommended for a long-term adult\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis species cannot manoeuvre in strong currents, especially when small; pay particular attention to pump inlets as these fish can become trapped\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCare must be taken when carrying out maintenance on the aquarium so as to keep the fish as calm as possible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA tight-fitting lid is essential; this species can jump\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe ostracitoxin risk: what you need to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the single most important factor in keeping this species and cannot be overstated. \u003cem\u003eO. cubicus\u003c\/em\u003e is capable of exuding a deadly toxin called ostracitoxin when stressed; if released, this poison can kill all the fish in the tank, including the boxfish itself. Stress triggers can include aggressive tankmates, netting, sudden parameter shifts, poor water quality, or extreme fright. Keeping a relatively large supply of clean, heated, and aerated saltwater matching your display tank parameters on hand at all times is strongly recommended so that a massive emergency water change can be performed immediately if ostracitoxin release is suspected. Activated carbon will also help remove toxins from the water column and should always be running in a system housing this species. Never transport the boxfish in the same water as other fish, and never add the shipping water to your system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eO. cubicus\u003c\/em\u003e is omnivorous, feeding on algae and a range of small invertebrate prey; specimens may be slow to accept foods in captivity and live foods may be needed initially to elicit a feeding response.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen mysis shrimp (staple once trained)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChopped shrimp, krill, clam, mussel, squid, and cockle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpirulina-enriched frozen brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarine algae-based frozen formulations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuality sinking carnivore pellets once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoxfish have very small mouths and stomachs; small amounts fed multiple times throughout the day are essential to prevent starvation, which may not be immediately apparent due to the rigid bony carapace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid floating foods; boxfish can accidentally ingest air at the surface causing serious buoyancy problems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed at least 3 times daily\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility and tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep only with calm, peaceful, non-aggressive fish of similar or larger size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAny tankmates kept with \u003cem\u003eO. cubicus\u003c\/em\u003e must be non-aggressive and non-boisterous; stress from harassment is one of the most common triggers for ostracitoxin release\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid triggerfish, aggressive puffers, large angelfish, and any fin-nipping species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot compatible with shrimp, crabs, snails, or most ornamental invertebrates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep one per system; two boxfish in the same tank is not recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHealth and acclimation notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Yellow Boxfish is sensitive to shipping stress and water quality fluctuations. Slow, careful drip acclimation is strongly recommended, and the shipping water must never be added to the display tank. A dedicated, well-established system with excellent filtration, consistently stable parameters, and zero aggressive tankmates gives this fish the best possible start. This species can be a shy feeder when first introduced; patience and live or highly palatable foods are often needed to establish a reliable feeding response.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat you are buying\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou will receive: 1 Yellow Boxfish (Ostracion cubicus)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJuveniles are bright yellow with dark-brown polka dots; as specimens age the bright yellow gives way to a more subdued brownish yellow and the spots change in character\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is recommended for experienced hobbyists only. Slow acclimation is essential, the shipping water must not enter your display system, and activated carbon should be running at all times.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Little Shop of Coral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53575306838289,"sku":null,"price":80.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/5196\/6737\/files\/OSTRACIONCUBICUSYELLOWBOXFISH.png?v=1779225569","url":"https:\/\/littleshopofcoral.ca\/products\/yellow-boxfish-ostracion-cubicus","provider":"Little Shop of Coral","version":"1.0","type":"link"}