The Vibrant, Box-Shaped Reef Fish

Diving with boxfish is always a treat, as their uniquely shaped bodies and bold coloration bring excitement to any coral reef. Boxfish, also commonly known as cowfish or trunkfish, include 23 species of square, bony fish in the Ostraciidae family. They are clearly identifiable by their rigid, box-shaped bodies. Most species are also covered in spots or hexagonal shapes, and many have horn-like projections from the tops of their heads.

Boxfish live on shallow reefs in the tropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans worldwide. Keep your eyes on the lookout for boxfish hovering about the reef. Some boxfish species can be pretty small and harder to spot; however, some can grow up to 50 cm (20in). To find out where you can go diving with boxfish, explore the dive site map below.