 was the inspiration for the modeling of the Mercedes-Benz Bionic, a lower emissions concept car released in 2005. Yellow boxfish are quite agile despite their awkward shape, having mastered the use of their small, fluttering fins for stabilization.
When distressed these fish release a neurotoxin tetrodoxin through their skin, which can be lethal to nearby fish. Their bright yellow exterior and dark black spots are nature’s warning to predators, though t…)
Diving Fun Fact
The yellow boxfish (Ostracion cubicus) was the inspiration for the modeling of the Mercedes-Benz Bionic, a lower emissions concept car released in 2005. Yellow boxfish are quite agile despite their awkward shape, having mastered the use of their small, fluttering fins for stabilization.
When distressed these fish release a neurotoxin tetrodoxin through their skin, which can be lethal to nearby fish. Their bright yellow exterior and dark black spots are nature’s warning to predators, though these colors do fade as the fish ages.
In fact, you may not even recognize the oldest of this species, who range from gray to black with just traces of their original yellow color. We photographed this yellow boxfish while diving in Nosy Be, Madagascar. Read more in our post, Whale Shark Sightings and Turquoise Waters: Scuba Diving Nosy Be, Madagascar.
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