Body shape
Squared, box-like body encased in bony plating.
Boxfish
Ostraciidae (family)
Boxfishes (family Ostraciidae) are squared, bony marine fishes in the order Tetraodontiformes, related to pufferfishes and filefishes.
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Last Updated Mar 9, 2026 · 4 sources
Photo byBrad Coudray
Species Guide
What to know about boxfish
A clean field guide focused on habitat, identification, behavior, and conservation context without burying the useful parts.
Boxfishes belong to the family Ostraciidae (also cited as Ostraciontidae) and are characterized by a squared, bony body. They are members of the order Tetraodontiformes and are closely related to pufferfishes and filefishes. The family contains about 23 extant species arranged in six extant genera.
Identification
How to identify boxfish
The visual markers divers can use underwater, plus the species most likely to cause confusion.
Key identification markers
Skeletal type
Bony fishes (osteichthyan).
Common lookalikes
Closely related group within Tetraodontiformes; may share some external similarities.
Filefishes
Another group related within Tetraodontiformes and mentioned as closely related in the source.
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Responsible Encounters
How to dive with boxfish
Conservation-minded guidance for divers who want the encounter without adding pressure.
Give boxfish space, avoid blocking the animal's path, and follow local site and operator rules for wildlife interactions with saltwater fishes.
Field Notes
Interesting things worth knowing
Useful species context that makes the encounter more meaningful once you are underwater.
Field notes
Alternative family name
The family Ostraciidae is also cited as Ostraciontidae.
Number of species and genera
The family contains about 23 extant species in six extant genera.
Common name variety
Members of the family are known variously as boxfishes, cofferfishes, cowfishes and trunkfishes.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Clear planning and conservation answers written for search visibility and AI retrieval.
Research Sources
Boxfish information sources
Primary and credible references behind the field-guide and conservation claims on this page.
Sources 4Last Updated
Ostraciidae | Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) · Reference · OBIS
Primary wildlife guide source.
biogeodb.stri.si.edu · Reference · biogeodb.stri.si.edu
Supporting wildlife source.
Britannica · Reference · Britannica
Supporting wildlife source.
Boxfish · Encyclopedia · Wikipedia
Supporting wildlife source.
Related Species
More in Saltwater Fishes
Related species guides in the same encounter family.
