Eastern Smooth Boxfish

Anoplocapros inermis

The Eastern Smooth Boxfish, also known by several names including the chubby basketfish and freckled boxfish, is a unique marine species endemic to the southeastern waters of Australia. Divers can identify this fish by its pale yellow to brown coloration above the lower flank ridge, which fades to white below. The body is adorned with large dark yellow to dark brown spots, and in larger males, the color can shift to a bluish hue with transparent fins. This species can grow up to 37 cm in total length. This boxfish inhabits the coastal and offshore reefs of southern Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, dwelling at depths ranging from 10 to 300 meters. It is commonly found on the continental shelf, with a significant number of occurrences recorded at shallower depths, less than 100 meters. The Eastern Smooth Boxfish feeds primarily on benthic invertebrates, such as crabs, and has separate sexes with pelagic eggs and larvae. While the flesh of the Eastern Smooth Boxfish is not toxic, it can produce a toxic mucus that poses a threat to other fish and even to itself if exposed for too long. Despite this, the species is considered harmless to humans and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Divers encountering this fish may find it in temperate reef environments, where it exhibits slow-moving and bottom-dwelling behavior.