Lactoria cornuta

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Longhorn Cowfish
Longhorn Cowfish
Species	Lactoria cornuta
Difficulty	Difficult
Min. Tank Size	681.374 liters 681,374.12 mL 180 US Gallons (681.4L)
Size	50.8 cm 16-20 " (40.6-50.8cm)
pH	8.1 - 8.4
Temp.	295.372 K 22.222 °C 531.67 °R 298.706 K 25.556 °C 537.67 °R72 -78 °F (22.2-25.6°C)
Water Hardness	8-12
Stocking Ratio	1:3 M:F
Availability	Common
Diet	Omnivore Live Foods Other (See article)
Life Span	2-8 years

[edit] Alternative names

Longhorn Cowfish, Longhorn Boxfish, Yellow Boxfish

[edit] Sexing

No visable differences between male and female fish. In the wild, a single male are usually found with a group of females.

[edit] Tank compatibility

Peaceful towards other tankmates. HOWEVER, not only can this fish be easily startled and injure itself trying to hide, it's also highly toxic, it's skin contains ostracitoxin. If it gets stressed out or sick it will release a toxin into the water that will kill everything around it, it's perfectly capable of wiping out your entire tank. When introducing this fish, do not let ANY bag water into the tank, and during water changes if the fish needs to be taken out, put it in a container alone.

[edit] Diet

Will take most meaty foods or vegetables.

[edit] Feeding regime

Twice a day.

[edit] Environment Specifics

Needs a large tank with plenty of hiding places. Not particularly reef safe as it will eat inverts. Excellent water quality is necessary to keep this fish happy and healthy. They don't appreciate strong currents.

[edit] Behaviour

Slow swimming very curious fish. Will examine anything new in the tank very closely.

[edit] Identification

Distinctive yellow cube shape with two long "horns" extending from it's forehead. As this fish matures, these "horns" will get shorter.

[edit] Pictures

Longhorn Cowfish

[edit] External links

• Fishbase
• Fishforums
• Cowfishes.com
• Marine Depot Live