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Spotted boxfish — printable fact sheet
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Spotted boxfish
Ostracion meleagris
The spotted boxfish is a small, distinctive marine fish recognized by its boxy, angular body and striking pattern of white or yellow spots on a dark background. Males and females are sexually dimorphic, with males displaying more vivid coloration than females. This species inhab…
Did you know?
- Unlike most fish, the spotted boxfish cannot curve its body to swim; its armored shell keeps it rigid and inflexible.
- Spotted boxfish have a rigid, box-like body that limits their speed but offers excellent protection from predators. They use a unique form of swimming called ostraciiform locomotion, mainly moving with their dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins. When stressed, they can release a toxic substance called ostracitoxin, which is harmful to other fish.
What I learned
Draw the spotted boxfish
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