Common name: Buffalo trunkfish

General information

The Buffalo Trunkfish, Lactophrys trigonus, is a distinctive species known for its hexagonal plate-like scales that form a rigid, box-like carapace around its body. This unique structure gives it a hovering style of swimming and a peculiar appearance. The Buffalo Trunkfish is a member of the family Ostraciidae, which includes boxfishes and cowfishes. It is often recognized by its brownish color with white spots and a reticulated pattern, resembling a honeycomb.

Care

Buffalo Trunkfish require a spacious aquarium 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. They are not reef-safe as they may nibble on invertebrates and small ornamental crustaceans. A varied diet of meaty foods, including shrimp, squid, and clams, is essential for their health.

Reproduction

In the wild, Buffalo Trunkfish are oviparous, with females releasing eggs into the water column to be fertilized externally by males. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but providing a stress-free environment with plenty of hiding places can encourage natural behaviors.

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 inhabit coral reefs and seagrass beds, often seen at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 50 meters.