White-barred boxfish (Anoplocapros lenticularis)
Also known as the humpback or high-backed boxfish.
Unlike most other bony fish, boxfish have a protective covering of large, thick, joined scale plates which create an armour for protection against predators. Boxfish have the additional advantage of being poisonous to eat!
Due to this armour, boxfish can't bend their bodies to swim or hunt. Therefore when feeding they often blow a jet of water at the sand to expose the prey hidden beneath, and then suck it up like a vacuum cleaner.
The white-barred boxfish is found in southern Australia and can grow up to 300mm in length. The males are a bright orange and white in colour, while juveniles and females have additional black markings on the upper body.
