Longhorn Cowfish
Lactoria cornuta
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Suggested Tank
946+ liters
Max Size
46 cm
Difficulty
Temperament
Description
An unmistakable boxy fish with a rigid triangular carapace, tan-to-yellow coloring dotted with white and blue, two forward-pointing "horns" over the eyes and two more at the rear of the shell. It swims slowly by sculling its fins, is generally peaceful but tolerates no other cowfish, and can grow well over a foot, so it needs a very large, mature tank with plenty of live rock and calm tankmates. It picks at coral polyps, tubeworms and small crustaceans, and when badly stressed or dying it releases ostracitoxin (pahutoxin) that can kill everything in the system, so avoid aggressive tankmates, sharp decor and shipping stress.
Reef Safe
No
Environment
The Longhorn Cowfish needs plenty of open swimming space as well as hiding places to feel secure. It prefers a sandy substrate and a well-filtered aquarium to mimic its natural reef environment.
Behavior
This fish is generally peaceful and slow-moving, but can be territorial with members of its own species. It is known for its ability to change color in response to its mood or environmental factors.
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Longhorn Cowfish
Lactoria cornuta
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