Common name: Trunkfish
General information
The Honeycomb Cowfish, Acanthostracion polygonius, is a distinctive and fascinating species known for its hexagonal plate-like scales that give it a honeycomb appearance. This boxfish is a member of the family Ostraciidae and is found in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Its ability to change color and inflate its body when threatened makes it a unique addition to the aquarium.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 45 cm (1′6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots & varied diet
- Diet
- Omnivore Enjoys mysis, brine shrimp, algae
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals/inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May show aggression to tank mates
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPufferfishTetraodontiformes
- FamilyBoxfishOstraciidae
- GenusCowfishAcanthostracion
- SpeciesTrunkfishAcanthostracion polygonius Poey, 1876
- SynonymsAcanthostracion poligonos Poey, 1876Lactophrys polygonia (Poey, 1876)Lactophrys saxatilis Mowbray, 1931
Care
Honeycomb Cowfish require a spacious tank with plenty of room to swim and stable water conditions. They are not recommended for reef tanks as they may nibble on or damage corals and invertebrates. A varied diet of meaty foods, including shrimp, squid, and clams, is essential for their health. It's important to note that when stressed, they can release a toxic substance harmful to other tank inhabitants.
Reproduction
Breeding Honeycomb Cowfish in captivity is challenging and rarely occurs. In the wild, they engage in a unique courtship display and release eggs and sperm into the water column for external fertilization.
Habitat
Honeycomb Cowfish inhabit shallow reefs and seagrass beds, often found at depths ranging from 3 to 80 meters. They are commonly seen in the Western Atlantic from New Jersey to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.