Longhorn Cowfish
Lactoria cornuta
Longhorn Cowfish is a boxfish with a rigid, boxy body and very long forward-pointing horns. It lives in shallow tropical reefs, lagoons, and seagrass beds, and is far more notable as an aquarium species than a target fish.
_Timor.jpg){kind=link}
Identification points
- Rigid, box-shaped yellowish body covered in hard plates
- Two very long horn-like projections extending forward from above the eyes
- Pattern of white spots or blue-edged spots on the body, with a narrow caudal peduncle and small tail fin
Habitat
Shallow tropical coral reefs, protected lagoons, seagrass beds, and sandy areas with coral rubble; typically near structure and sheltered coastal waters.
Bait notes
Not a standard gamefish and is rarely targeted. If encountered by anglers, small live or cut crustaceans or squid pieces may attract curiosity, but it is generally best released unharmed.
Behavior
Slow, deliberate swimmer that picks at small benthic invertebrates, algae, and detritus. When stressed it can release toxic mucus and, like other boxfishes, is not a strong fast-swimming species.
Caution
Can release ostracitoxin, a toxic mucus that is dangerous to other fish in confined spaces and can be harmful if handled or kept with stress; do not keep in small livewells or tanks with other fish. Local collection restrictions may apply.
Fishing notes
No specialized sport-fishing techniques are recommended because it is not commonly fished for. Use light handling and a wet hand/net if release is needed to avoid damaging its body and stressing the fish.