ANIMAL SPECIES:Eastern Smooth Boxfish, Anoplocapros inermis (Fraser-Brunner, 1935)
The Eastern Smooth Boxfish is commonly seen washed up on in south eastern Australia. The hard 'discus-like' carapace is quite distinctive.
Identification
The Eastern Smooth Boxfish has a hard carapace that is covered with a pattern of triangles and low bumps. Adults have a strong ridge along the dorsal and ventral midlines. There are weaker ridges passing over the eyes and under the pectoral fins. Juveniles are nearly spherical.
The species has eyes high on the head and its dorsal and anal fins positioned posteriorly and opposite each other.
The colouration of the Eastern Smooth Boxfish changes with growth. Tiny juveniles are totally yellow. As the fish ages it develops brown spots. Large males are blue with golden sides.
Size range
The Eastern Smooth Boxfish grows to 35 cm in length.Distribution
The species occurs from southern Queensland to Bass Strait.
Eastern Smooth Boxfish are commonly washed up on sandy beaches in south eastern Australia. Beach walkers often see dried fish while walking along the high tide line.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Eastern Smooth Boxfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
It is known from depths of 10 m to 300 m in coastal reefs and harbours.
Classification
- Species:
- inermis
- Genus:
- Anoplocapros
- Family:
- Ostraciidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
- Kuiter, R.H. in Gomon, M..F, Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
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An Eastern Smooth Boxfish at Oak Park View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Eastern Smooth Boxfish at Oak Park View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
An Eastern Smooth Boxfish washed up on the beach View full size
Matt Joyce
© Matt Joyce
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