Family : Ostraciidae (Boxfishes)
Order : Tetraodontiformes  (puffers and filefishes)
Class : Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Fishbase Name : Yellow boxfish
Fish Name : Ostracion cubicus
Max size : 45.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; Ref. 9806)
Environment : reef-associated ; depth range 1 - 280 m
Climate : tropical; 30°N - 32°S
Global Importance : fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Distribution: Distribution : Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa (Ref. 3141) to the Hawaiian and Tuamoto islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to Lord Howe Island. The Red Sea population differs slightly in coloration and has been known as Ostracion argus; closely related to Ostracion immaculatus from southern Japan. Southeast Atlantic: south coast of South Africa (Ref. 3141).
Diagnosis : Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Caudal fin rays 10. Juveniles bright yellow with black spots; the spots decrease proportionately and the bright yellow becomes a dirty mustard with growth; large adults become bluish with yellowish seams between the plates.
Biology : Inhabit lagoon and semi-sheltered seaward reefs. Juveniles often among Acropora corals (Ref. 9710). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Solitary (Ref. 5503). Juveniles expatriating to subtropical zone from the pelagic larval stage. Small juveniles secretive in narrow crevices (Ref. 48637). Feed primarily on algae with a compliment of microorganisms, invertebrates, mollusks, sponges (Ref. 5503), sand dwelling polychaetes, crustaceans, foraminiferans, and fishes (Ref. 37816)
Threatened : Dangerous:  
Dangerous : harmless
Coordinator : Matsuura, Keiichi
Main Ref : Myers, R.F.. 1991. (Ref. 1602)

India country information
Common Names : തോന്വ്, തൊന്പു , Gonu, Thombu
Status : native
Salinity : marine
Uses : no uses