Description
Longhorn Cowfish (Lactoria cornuta)
The Longhorn Cowfish is one of the most distinctive and instantly recognisable marine fish, famous for its box-shaped yellow body, scattered blue spots and prominent horn-like projections above the eyes. Its unusual appearance, curious personality and unique swimming style make it a fascinating centrepiece for a suitably large marine aquarium.
Compatibility:
Peaceful. Best kept with calm to moderately active tankmates that will not bully or outcompete it for food. Avoid aggressive fish and persistent fin-nippers. Very small ornamental invertebrates may be eaten as the cowfish grows.
Reef Compatibility:
Reef-safe with caution. Generally does not deliberately damage corals, but may investigate or nip at some sessile invertebrates and can consume small crustaceans, worms and other invertebrates.
Diet:
Omnivore – offer a varied diet including mysis shrimp, chopped prawn, mussel, clam, squid, marine algae and quality marine preparations. Feed 2–3 smaller meals daily, ensuring the cowfish receives enough food when housed with faster-feeding species.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 24–27°C
- Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Minimum Tank Size: 500L
Care Level:
Moderate to Advanced – requires excellent water quality, gentle-to-moderate water movement, plenty of swimming space and peaceful tankmates. Longhorn Cowfish can grow to a substantial adult size and should be purchased with their long-term requirements in mind.
Top Tip:
Cowfish can release ostracitoxin when severely stressed or dying, which can potentially affect other aquarium inhabitants. Maintain stable conditions, avoid aggressive tankmates and minimise unnecessary stress. Good activated carbon and efficient filtration are sensible precautions when keeping this unusual species.
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