Animal Species:Eastern Smooth Boxfish, Anoplocapros inermis (Fraser-Brunner, 1935)

The Eastern Smooth Boxfish is commonly seen washed up on beaches in south eastern Australia. The hard 'discus-like' carapace is quite distinctive.

Eastern Smooth Boxfish, Anoplocapros inermis

Eastern Smooth Boxfish, Anoplocapros inermis
Matt Dowse © Matt Dowse

Alternative Name/s

Blue Boxfish, Freckled Boxfish, Golden Boxfish, Polled Boxfish, Robust Box-fish, Robust Boxfish, White-barred Boxfish

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 completely 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.

Similar Species

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.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It is known from depths of 10 m to 300 m in coastal reefs and harbours.

Classification

Species:
inermis
Genus:
Anoplocapros
Family:
Ostraciidae
Order:
Tetraodontiformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
  2. 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.
  3. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  4. 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.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags Fishes, Ichthyology, Eastern Smooth Boxfish, Anoplocapros inermis, Ostraciidae,