Boxed In

One of the most delightful species to come across while on a dive is the comical little boxfish. Also known as the cowfish, trunkfish, and occasionally, the cofferfish, these diminutive creatures all share one physical characteristic, no matter what you call them: their bony, box-like shape. Boxfish hail from the Tetraodontiform order, which includes puffers, porcupine fish, and ocean sunfish. All are highly equipped with defense mechanisms that compensate for the lack of speed provided by their tiny fins and bulky bodies, through the use of spines, toxins, and their powerful beak-like tooth formations. Although individual species within the boxfish family develop strikingly different markings, each of their skins bears a distinctive hexagonal pattern, created by plate-like scales that fuse together to form a heavy armor for the slow-moving fish. Boxfish behavior toward divers can be curious to skittish, so approach with care for those photo opportunities!