boxfish safe for a reef tank?

[Steevo]

Do they exude toxins if frightened? Also, if safe what do they eat?
Thanks for any info!

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Stevo,

Boxfish are cool looking fish! But unfortunately they are not good for reefs. According to Scott W. Michael, Author of A Pocket Expert Guide, MARINE FISHES, boxfish are not compatible with a reef. When stressed, they can exude a toxin that can wipe out an entire tank.

What a shame. I wouldn't even risk one in a FO, but obvously some people do as I have seen the for sell at the LFS. People buy them or the LFS wouldn't carry them.

Later!

Louey

 

[AnotherGoldenTeapot]

I've had a long-horned cow fish (which I guess is a box fish) in my reef for years with no trouble.

 

[Steevo]

Good point Louie. I think I'll heed your warning and pass on him. Too bad. Thanks very much for the info guys.

 

[Mouse]

A freind of mine used to have a box fish in a tank with some clowns. One day he noticed the fish were all dieing as the box fish had released some of its poison into the water, which in a closed system also had detremental affects on the box fish.

He decided to remove the clownfish to recover in his reef tank. He used a net to capture the fish and quickly transferred it over. Unfortunately there was enough residual toxin left on the net to wipe out 175 gallons of reef. Pitty.

i wouldn't even keep them with other fish after hearing that.

 

[M.E.Milz]

I am not exactly sure what specific fish you are referring to, but I have had a spiny boxfish (also called a burrfish) in one my FOWLR tanks for almost 5 years now. The fish has a great personality and has obtained true pet status. Although the tank is not a reef tank, I have kept several soft corals (such as star polyps and button polyps) in the tank without any problems.

 

[Steevo]

It was a tiny little yellow thing about the size of a quarter.I'm not sure of the name.

 

[naesco]

Even the tiny yellow ones! Are they reef safe?

 

[danmhippo]

I have a small cowfish about the size of a quarter, and 3 small yellow Tetrosomus gibbosus each about the size of a dime to a nickle. None has yet displayed interest in polyps, sponges, gorgonians, sinulara, unbrella leather, and caulerpa. All acclimated to aquarium life readily taking frozen bits. I give them a small piece of shrimp threaded on a string hanging in mid column for all to nibble on. At night, they all pick a sponge to hide themselves into.

Only time will tell though if they will develope a taste for polyps when they get bigger.