Lactoria cornuta

Quick Stats

Care Level: Expert Only Temperament: Peaceful Color Form: White, Yellow Diet: Omnivore Reef Compatible: With Caution Water Conditions: 72-78 F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025 Max. Size: 1′ 8″ Venomous Poisonous When Stressed or Dies Origin: Indo-Pacific Family: Ostraciidae Minimum Tank Size: 250 gallons

Overview

The Longhorn Cowfish inhabit the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, usually in the less turbid waters. The body is tan to yellow and covered with white and blue dots, and is occasionally referred to as the Yellow Boxfish; however, the Longhorn is not to be confused with Ostracion cubicus, commonly called the Yellow or Polka Dot Boxfish. In the wild, it is not uncommon to see a 20″ specimen, while in the aquarium the Longhorn Cowfish tends to be dramatically smaller – 16″ or less.

When possible, the Longhorn Cowfish should be the first fish introduced in the tank. It is intolerant of other Longhorns, so keep it in a large tank, with some live rock for algae scraping. Use caution if placing the Cowfish Longhorn in a reef tank as it may nibble on tubeworms. When housed correctly, the Cowfish Longhorn is long-lived.

Similar to other boxfish, the Cowfish Longhorn’s skin is poisonous and, when threatened, it will release a toxin lethal to other tank members, including other Longhorns.

Since they are omnivores, the Longhorn Cowfish should be offered a variety of meaty and vegetable foods. They are slow eaters, and should not be housed with aggressive eaters.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1″ to 2-1/4″; Medium: 2-1/4″ to 3; Large: 3″ to 4-3/4″