Family Ostraciidae, Boxfishes and Cowfishes

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Family Ostraciidae

Boxfishes and Cowfishes

Members of this family have rigid box-like bodies composed of hard scales that are fused together. Holes in this shell are present for sensory structures, digestive tract, gills, and fins. The skin of some species produces a toxic mucus under stress. The toxin is so powerful that it kills anything in a confined space for some time including itself, so it is unwise to capture or keep these fishes without the proper facilities. Swimming is done by undulating the dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins while the caudal fin is reserved for a quick escape.

The family as a whole are referred to as Trunkfishes. Cowfishes also have a pair of spines above the eyes. Young are born as females but only a few will become males during adulthood. They graze upon encrusting organisms including sponges, tunicates, hydroids, and algae.

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HAWAII

Lactoria diaphana