Common name: Bull Crab

General information

The Longhorn Cowfish, Lactoria cornuta, is a distinctive boxfish with long horns protruding from the front of its head, resembling a cow. They are part of the family Ostraciidae and are known for their hexagonal plate-like scales that form a rigid, box-like carapace. This unique structure provides them with a certain degree of protection against predators but limits their swimming agility. They are a popular choice among aquarists due to their peculiar shape and interesting behavior.

Care

Longhorn Cowfish require a spacious tank with plenty of room to swim and turn around, as their boxy shape can make maneuvering in tight spaces difficult. They are not the best swimmers, so a gentle water flow is preferred. These fish are known to be sensitive to water quality, so maintaining pristine conditions is crucial. They are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods, including frozen and live meaty foods, as well as some vegetable matter.

Reproduction

Breeding Longhorn Cowfish in captivity is quite challenging and rarely occurs. They are broadcast spawners in the wild, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization takes place externally.

Symbiosis

While not known for any specific symbiotic relationships, Longhorn Cowfish are often observed interacting with other tank inhabitants in a communal setting. They do not have a symbiotic relationship like clownfish with anemones.

Habitat

Longhorn Cowfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting lagoons and reefs where they can often be seen swimming at a leisurely pace, using their pectoral fins for propulsion. They prefer environments with plenty of hiding places and can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 50 meters.