Boxfish

Boxfish have fused-plate hexagonal bodies — essentially rigid armour that limits them to slow hovering propulsion with tiny pectoral fins. The yellow boxfish (Ostracion cubicus) juvenile is the iconic 'yellow cube with black spots' that became the inspiration for the Mercedes-Benz Bionic Car concept.

When stressed they secrete ostracitoxin — strong enough to kill other fish in confined spaces. In the wild this is rarely triggered, but is the reason boxfish should never be kept with other fish in aquariums.

Common at Andaman, Maldives, Bali, Komodo and Red Sea reefs. Juveniles are the photo target — pure yellow with bold black spots, photogenic against any background.