spotted trunkfish
Lactophrys bicaudalis
Boxfish of clear reef waters, with small black spots on a whitish background. It releases toxins when irritated, and there are reports of ciguatera.
Also called: baiacu-pintado, chapín pintado, spotted trunkfish
- maximum
- 48 cm
- depth
- 3–50 m
who is the spotted trunkfish
Boxfish of the family Ostraciidae, with a box-shaped body, reaching 48 cm. It lives in clear waters near coral reefs, sometimes under ledges and near small holes, from 3 to 50 m deep. It feeds on small bottom invertebrates such as mollusks, crustaceans, sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, tunicates and brittle stars, plus seagrass and algae. It occurs in the western Atlantic, from Florida to Brazil. It rarely shows up in fishing and is sold for aquariums.
Essential profile. Identification, where it occurs and rules, with data from FishBase and the cited regulations. Season, time of day, technique and bait are added once we have a good source for the spotted trunkfish; in the meantime, see the similar species.
identification
Whitish, with many small black spots on the carapace, on the caudal peduncle and on the caudal fin, and pale lips. The bases of the dorsal, anal and pectoral fins are dark. In large adults, there are three small white diagonal areas at the front of the body, at eye level. It differs from the triangular trunkfish by its numerous black spots, and from the cowfish by its white background with spots.
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Each card shows the day's index (0 to 100) and, below it, a strip with the index for each hour, from 0h to 23h. from poor to excellent.
Essential profile: the index uses a general fish model (weather, sun, moon and tide), without a season or time of day specific to this species.
where found
It occurs from Florida and the Bahamas to Brazil, through the southern Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, and also at Ascension Island.
Habitat: Clear reef waters, under ledges and in small crevices, 3 to 50 m.
coast
rules for the spotted trunkfish
Summary of the regulations we found, with the source for each. Rules change; before keeping or transporting fish, check with the state environmental agency.
Conservation: Not on the Brazilian national list (Ministerial Ordinance GM/MMA No. 1.667/2026).
We found no species-specific rule beyond the region's general rules.
catch and release
catch and release Releasing the fish alive, quickly and with a wet hand. During a closed season it isn't always allowed: what the regulation says applies.
There are reports of ciguatera. When irritated, it releases toxins into the water that kill other fish; so do not keep it with live fish in the bucket or live-bait well.
in the kitchen
It is probably sold fresh in local markets, but there are reports of ciguatera: when in doubt, do not eat it.
how much it weighs without taking it out of the water
Length-weight relationship W = a·Lb (a = 0.03715, b = 2.8; FishBase (relação peso-comprimento bayesiana, estimativa)). It's an average: a fat or lean fish can vary by 10% to 20%.
estimated weight
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sources and references
Essential profile: size, length-weight, depth, countries and conservation come from FishBase and the cited regulations, and the texts were written from those sources. Season, time of day, sensitivities, technique and baits and lures are not included yet, because we did not find a good source for this species.
- scientific FishBase: Lactophrys bicaudalis (ficha da espécie)Size, length-weight, depth, habitat, distribution, biology, and IUCN status. Page checked on Oct 13, 2026.
- scientific FishBase: nomes populares de Lactophrys bicaudalisNames by country and language.
- official Portaria GM/MMA nº 1.667, de 27 de abril de 2026: Lista Nacional Oficial de Espécies da Fauna Ameaçadas de Extinção (peixes e invertebrados aquáticos)The species is not on the list. Checked in the DOU of April 28, 2026.
