Bizarre is one of the first words that comes to mind when describing the spotted trunkfish.
Lactophyrs bicaudalis can be identified by its white color and dark spots that cover its entire body. This fish also has a white border around its mouth that helps to separate it from other trunkfish. Another unique aspect to the spotted trunkfish are two spines in front of the anal fin. This fish species is commonly grows to be between six and 12 inches, but can reach a maximum length of 16 inches.
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| A bizarre looking Spotted Trunkfish |
The spotted trunkfish is a bony fish that belongs to the family Ostraciidae, or boxfishes. All boxfishes have a triangular, bony skeleton that serves as armor, small mouths, and broom-like tails. The family itself is divided into two groups: cowfishes and trunkfishes. The two groups are very similar, the only difference being cowfishes have spines over the eyes where trunkfishes do not. Both groups swim mainly using their pectoral and dorsal fins while saving the anal fin for faster movements.
This species of trunkfish is found along the Atlantic coast from Florida, through the Caribbean, and down to Brazil. It is also found in the western Gulf of Mexico. The spotted trunkfish is a shallow water reef fish that usually resides under ledges and in protected areas. This fish consumes a wide variety of food items from small crustaceans, molluscs, algae, to echinoderms. The spotted trunkfish is poisonous if consumed and its toxin has the ability to kill an adult nurse shark. The poison may also be used to kill prey when feeding.
References: Humann, Paul, and Ned DeLoach. Reef Fish Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas. Jacksonville, FL: New World Publications, 2002. 378, 392-393. Print.; "Spotted Trunkfish."
Fish Base. http://www.fishbase.org/summary/speciessummary.php?id=4286
