Longhorn Boxfish
Longhorn cowfish are extremely popular with hobbyists and are most likely the first name that comes to mind when the species of boxfish is mentioned.
Longhorn boxfish. The longhorn cowfish lactoria cornuta also called the horned boxfish is a species of boxfish from the family ostraciidae recognizable by its long horns that protrude from the front of its head rather like those of a cow or bull. Longhorn cowfish are usually around 10 centimetres 4 inches in length. They have no pelvic fins.
They are a hardy species that can be found grazing among the reefs and sand within less turbulent waters throughout the indo pacific. The cowfish is becoming increasingly popular as a pet. They are a resident of the indo pacific region and can grow up to 50 cm 20 in long.
The longhorn cowfish s color is yellowish with a very light green bottom although there are specimens in other less attractive colors such as brown or gray. Their plate like scales are fused together to form a solid box like carapace and the fins tail eyes and mouth protrude from this. The longhorn cowfish inhabit the reefs of the indo pacific usually in the less turbid waters.
However the longhorn is not to be confused with ostracion cubicus commonly called the cube boxfish or yellow or polka dot boxfish. In addition it s worth mentioning that their body has dots whose color can be white blue brown or green. Sexing edit edit source no visible differences between male and female fish.
Lives in weedy areas algae beds and in sea. This week s curious creature is the adorable looking longhorn cowfish. The longhorn cowfish is a variety of boxfish from the ostraciidi family it is recognisable by its long horns that protrude from the front of its head rather like those of a cow or bull.
Tank compatibility edit edit source peaceful towards other tank mates. T he longhorn cowfish lactoria cornuta also known as the horned boxfish. Longhorn cowfish longhorn boxfish yellow boxfish additional scientific names ostracion cornutus.
The longhorn boxfish also called longhorn cowfish or horned boxfish is a variety of boxfish from the family ostraciidae recognizable by its long horns that protrude from the front of its head rather like those of a cow or bull. In the wild a single male are usually found with a group of females. Common name s longhorn cowfish longhorn boxfish scientific name lactoria cornuta family ostraciidae maximum size wild around 20 in home aquariums up to 16 usually less minimum tank size 180 uk gallons 681litres origin habitat indo pacific east africa red sea tuamotu archipelago polynesia lord howe island southern japan.
