Boston Bean Boxfish
Lactophrys sp.
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
Every order ships with our standard 3-hour live arrival guarantee. Need more time? Add our 5-Day Guarantee at checkout.
Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Expert |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Omnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 180 gallons |
| Max Size | 18 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Boston Bean Boxfish (Lactophrys sp.) is a juvenile trunkfish/cowfish relative with a compact, “bean-like” body and steady hovering movement driven by small, fast-fin strokes. This Western Atlantic type boxfish is known for an armored profile and calm, deliberate cruising in open water.
What You’ll Observe:
- Slow, controlled hovering and short “parking” stops along rock faces before moving again
- A curious routine of inspecting surfaces with quick pecks throughout the day
- Noticeably stronger feeding response when food is offered in smaller pieces over multiple passes
- A preference for open lanes to swim through, rather than tight, jagged rock mazes
Provide a mature aquarium with open swimming space and rounded, low-risk rockwork so its boxy body can maneuver comfortably. Offer a varied mix of meaty frozen foods plus algae-based options, and feed in a way that lets it get its share without rushing. Consistent, calm surroundings help it settle into a predictable daily pattern.
Can I safely move this fish with a net?
Use a specimen container/cup whenever possible so it isn’t tangled or scraped during transfers.
Why does it act interested in food but then miss pieces?
Many boxfish “hunt” by hovering and pecking; smaller, softer pieces offered repeatedly are easier for them to grab.
Is it normal for it to wedge itself into a corner or rock to rest?
Yes—many keepers report boxfish choosing a consistent resting spot and staying very still between active periods.
Will it change appearance as it grows?
Often, yes; juvenile patterns and body proportions commonly shift as trunkfish/cowfish mature.
Do boxfish really release toxins in aquariums?
Hobbyists frequently discuss this; the best practice is simply gentle handling and calm conditions to minimize severe stress events.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.
Recently viewed products