Recorded occasionally since 2011 in the Levantine waters of the Mediterranean Sea which it likely entered via the Suez Canal, it is a species appreciated in the aquarium trade.

[2] They are known for their cuboid body shape, bright yellow and black spotted coloration, and the secretion of a toxic mucus when threatened.

[3][4] The yellow boxfish was first formally described by Carl Linnaeus in the 10th edition of Systema Naturae published in 1758 with its type locality given as India.

Carl Linnaeus used both the names O. cubicum and O. tuberculatum in order to describe the yellow boxfish.

Because of the scarcity of comprehensive descriptions of the fish in Linnaeus’ work, it was unclear if these two names were to classify different species.

The specific name, cubicum means "cubic" and is a reference to the box-like shape of this fish.

It was thought that boxfish swam with burst movements and by sculling their fins like an oar of a boat.

[4] The yellow boxfish has a symbiotic relationship with the bacterium Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which was found in the toxic mucus that the fish secrete when stressed.

[16] In juveniles, the bright warning coloration is brighter, thought to have evolved as an early defense mechanism to deter predators.

Their pectoral and anal fins play a large role in maintaining balance and enabling the yellow boxfish to make sharp turns.

Their morphology makes them hydrodynamic and the inspiration for many engineering projects and potentially future underwater vehicles.

It is thought that the purpose of the hum and click sounds are to either communicate with members of the same species or to deter predators.

[19] In 2006, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its Bionic concept car, which was inspired by the shape of the yellow boxfish.

[20] It was assumed that due to the extreme agility with which boxfish maneuver, that their shape was aerodynamic and self-stabilizing.

However, analysis by scientists suggests that boxfish agility is instead due to the combination of an aerodynamically unstable body and the manner in which the fish use their fins for movement.

Engineers found that yellow boxfish have very sturdy skeletons, and a shape that has low-flow resistance.

The box girders are similar to the box-like body shape and they also incorporate the yellow boxfish mouth.

Engineers used the boxfish carapace and shape to design an airship with higher maneuverability, stability, and overall flight.