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🌊 Marine Least Concern ⚠️ Venomous 🐠 Aquarium ⚡ Venomous 🌡️ Tropical

Shortnose boxfish

Ostracion nasus Bloch, 1785
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Max Length
30 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.2
Depth
2–80 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
16.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

Found around rocky and sandy substrates . Solitary, also found in sheltered bays exposed to heavy silt and mud bottoms of coastal trawling grounds .

Scientific Name
Ostracion nasus
Authority
Bloch, 1785
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
30 cm
Depth Range
2–80 m
Latitude
20°S – 19°N
Trophic Level
3.2
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
16.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 9. Has a small protuberance above the mouth and a distinctly concave snout profile. : short and / or deep.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Shortnose boxfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
Spawn Location
Pelagic
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 80 m . Tropical; 19°N - 20°S north to the Philippines; Palau and Truk in Micronesia.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
3.2±0.4
🧍 Solitary

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.03715 × L2.8 (TL)
Max TL
30cm
Dorsal Rays
9
Anal Rays
9

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2023

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
16.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.2
Predator
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
Climate Zone
Tropical
Latitude Range
19°N – 20°S
Described By
Bloch, 1785

⚠️ Venom Profile

Medical Warning: This species is venomous. Seek immediate medical attention if envenomated. Contact emergency services and follow first aid guidance below.
Venom Type
proteinaceous neurotoxin
Delivery
dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin spines
Potency
Severe
Mortality Risk
Low
Symptom Onset
5min
Duration
24.0hrs
Antivenom
✗ Not Available
Named Toxins
high-molecular-weight protein (Stonustoxin analogue) acetylcholine
Symptoms
  • immediate intense pain
  • swelling
  • erythema
  • occasional nausea and weakness
Affected Body Systems
peripheral nervous system cardiovascular
First Aid
Immerse affected area in hot water (45 C, tolerable) for 30-90 minutes to denature toxin. Do not apply ice.
Medical Treatment

Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.

References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature

👥 Community & Contribute

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