Common name: Island cowfish

General information

The Buffalo Trunkfish, scientifically known as Acanthostracion notacanthus, is a distinctive species within the boxfish family. Its unique body shape, resembling a hovering cube with horns, makes it a fascinating addition to any marine aquarium. The Buffalo Trunkfish is known for its hexagonal plate-like scales that form a solid, armor-like skin, providing protection from predators. This species exhibits a brownish to olive-green color with white to yellow spots, which can vary depending on the individual and its environment.

Care

Buffalo Trunkfish require a spacious tank with plenty of room to swim and stable water conditions. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial with their own kind or similar-looking species. It's essential to provide a varied diet, including live and frozen foods such as shrimp, squid, and marine algae, to maintain their health and coloration. Due to their unique body structure, they are not the most agile swimmers, so a tank with moderate water flow is ideal.

Reproduction

In the wild, Buffalo Trunkfish are solitary creatures and come together only for breeding. Little is known about their breeding habits in home aquariums, as they rarely reproduce in captivity. However, in their natural habitat, they engage in a unique courtship display where the male follows the female, and spawning occurs in open water.

Habitat

Buffalo Trunkfish are found in the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They prefer reef environments with abundant coral and rocky substrates, where they can forage for food and seek shelter. They are typically found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 50 meters.