          
|
Scribbled Boxfish
The Scribbled, Striped or Reticulate Boxfish is a beautiful and rare specimen. The blue male shown above is not frequently encountered in aquaria. As a result, they command a high price. A cost of $200.00 u.s. is not unheard of for this species. The adult male has a blue background. The coloring is accentuated with white circles and lines, which are surrounded by black.
Females and juveniles have a plainer beige to white background. Their coloring is accentuated by white spots and lines surrounded by dark coloring.
This is one of the smaller species, growing only to 11 cm. Because of its small size, this fish may be kept in a tank as small as 55 gallons. In the wild, it inhabits areas with dense coral growth in seaward reefs. It can be found in waters as shallow as 1 to 20 meters. This species has been found in a range that includes Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Phillipines, Palua, Christmas Islands, and Great Barrier Reef. The fish naturally feeds a various invertebrates and macro algae. To initiate a feeding response in aquaria, the aquarist may need to introduce live foods, such as adult brine shrimp or black worms. Better yet, adding live rock to the tank will supply a more natural food source of live copepods and anthropods. Adding macro algae directly to the tank or on pieces of live rock is also recommended. Once feeding, the fish will soon accept some frozen versions of piscine prepared food. Care and husbandry are nearly identical to other cowfish and boxfish species. The tank should have good illumnation and some rock work or live rock for hiding spaces. However, the decor should not be so great that it does not allow plenty of swimming room for the fish. The fish enjoys swimming at all levels of the water column. The water should be kept at a temperature of 72 to 76 degrees Farenheit, with specific gravity of 1.020 to 1.025. The Scribbled Boxfish is a good community fish if kept with other peaceful, non-aggressive species.
|
