Common name: Thornback cowfish

General information

The Thornback Cowfish, Lactoria fornasini, is a distinctive and charismatic species known for its unique shape and interesting behavior. It is a member of the boxfish family, characterized by a rigid, box-like body and long, protruding horns. These horns, which are more pronounced in adults, give it the alternative name, Longhorn Cowfish.

In the wild, these fish are found in a variety of reef environments, often in lagoons or along reef slopes. They are known for their slow, deliberate movements and their ability to change colors to blend with their surroundings or communicate their mood.

Care

Thornback Cowfish require a spacious aquarium with plenty of room to swim and stable water conditions. They are not recommended for beginners due to their sensitivity to water quality and their unique dietary needs. These fish are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods including algae, sponges, and small invertebrates. In captivity, they should be offered a varied diet that includes both meaty foods and vegetable matter.

One important aspect of their care is the need to avoid stress, as stressed cowfish can release a toxic substance known as ostracitoxin, which can be harmful to other tank inhabitants.

Reproduction

Reproduction of Thornback Cowfish in the home aquarium is rare. In the wild, they are oviparous, with females releasing eggs into the water column to be fertilized by males. The eggs are pelagic, drifting with the currents until hatching.

Habitat

Thornback Cowfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific Ocean. They typically inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, often at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 50 meters. They prefer areas with plenty of hiding spots and a rich growth of algae and invertebrates to graze on.