Common name: Honeycomb Cowfish
General Information
The Honeycomb Cowfish (Acanthostracion polygonius), named for its distinctive hexagonal scale pattern, is a captivating species often admired for its unique appearance and intriguing behavior. This species is part of the boxfish family and is commonly found in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, particularly around coral reefs and seagrass beds.
In the aquarium trade, the Honeycomb Cowfish is valued for its striking looks and relatively peaceful nature. However, it requires careful consideration regarding tank mates and environmental conditions due to its unique needs and potential for releasing toxins when stressed.
Details
- Estimated price
- Moderate
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 400 liter (110 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 30 cm (1′)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Sensitive to water quality and requires specific dietary needs
- Diet
- Omnivore Feeds on invertebrates, algae, and seagrasses
- Social
- Solo Best kept solo due to potential toxin release when stressed
- Reefsafe
- Yes Generally peaceful, but avoid stress to prevent toxin release
- Aggression
- Peaceful Can be shy; avoid fin-nipping or aggressive tank mates
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPufferfishTetraodontiformes
- FamilyBoxfishOstraciidae
- GenusCowfishAcanthostracion
- SpeciesHoneycomb CowfishAcanthostracion polygonius Poey, 1876
- SynonymsAcanthostracion poligonos Poey, 1876Lactophrys polygonius (Poey, 1876)Lactophrys saxatilis Mowbray, 1931
- Source: GBIF | Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Care
Honeycomb Cowfish require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room and a well-established biological filtration system. They are best suited for experienced aquarists due to their sensitivity to water quality and specific dietary needs. The tank should mimic their natural habitat, with ample live rock and open spaces for swimming.
Diet and Feeding
In the wild, Honeycomb Cowfish are omnivores, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates, algae, and seagrasses. In captivity, they should be offered a varied diet that includes high-quality marine pellets, frozen foods like mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, and occasional vegetable matter.
Feeding should occur once or twice daily, ensuring that the cowfish receives a balanced diet to maintain its health and vibrant coloration.
Behavior and Compatibility
Honeycomb Cowfish are generally peaceful but can be shy and may hide when first introduced to a new environment. They are best kept with other non-aggressive species and should not be housed with fin-nipping fish or species that may harass them.
A notable feature of the Honeycomb Cowfish is its ability to release toxins when stressed, which can be harmful to tank mates. Therefore, careful monitoring and a stress-free environment are crucial.
Reproduction
Breeding Honeycomb Cowfish in captivity is rare and challenging. There is limited information on their breeding behavior, and they are not commonly bred in home aquariums. Captive breeding efforts are more successful in large public aquariums with controlled environments.
Health and Common Issues
Honeycomb Cowfish can live for several years in captivity with proper care. Maintaining excellent water quality and providing a balanced diet are essential for their health. They are susceptible to common marine diseases, so quarantine new tank additions and monitor for signs of stress or illness.
Habitat
The Honeycomb Cowfish is native to the Western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the waters around Florida and Bermuda. They inhabit coral reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy areas, usually at depths ranging from 3 to 50 meters.