Guide to the Coastal Resources of Guam: Vol. 1
THE FISHES

Steven S. AMESBURY                   Robert F. MYERS

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

ZOOGEOGRAPHY

ECOLOGY

BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR

VALUE OF FISH RESOURCES

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

DANGEROUS MARINE FISHES

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

BIBLIOGRAPHY

SPECIES INDEX

CHAMORRO NAMES

OSTRACIONTIDAE (BOXFISHES AND COWFISHES)

Fishes in this family are protected by platelike, bony armor which encloses their body in a rigid box and by toxic mucus.  Since they are avoided by most predators, boxfishes have lost the ability to swim fast and are often observed well out in the open.  They are thus easily caught by aquarists but should be kept with caution since they are capable of excrete enough toxin to kill themselves as well as all tankmates when stressed.

Lactoria cornuta (Linnaeus)
Ostracion meleagris Shaw

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