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At Hastings Aquarium we’re proud to have marine creatures from around the globe. Among our incredible collection of species is one that truly stands out for its beautiful yellow hue and the horns that give it its name: the stunning longhorn cowfish. Known for its peculiar horns and boxy shape, this fish is a must-see for visitors of all ages. Let’s dive into the details of what makes this fish so remarkable!

What is a longhorn cowfish?

The longhorn cowfish (Lactoria cornuta) is a member of the family Ostraciidae, commonly known as boxfish. It gets its name from the two horn-like protrusions on its head, which look like a cow’s horns. Also referred to as the horned boxfish, this species has a striking appearance with a rectangular, box-like body and a bright yellow colouration often spotted with white or blue.

This distinctive anatomy isn’t just for show –  it also acts as a deterrent to predators, showing just how ingenious nature’s ability to adapt can be.

Cowfish vs. boxfish: what’s the difference?

While both cowfish and boxfish belong to the same family (Ostraciidae), they are not identical. Cowfish are a subset of boxfish with the main difference being the cowfish’s signature horns, which don’t appear in other boxfish species. These horns provide the cowfish its unique shape, offering additional protection by making it harder for predators to swallow them.

Boxfish, by contrast, generally have smoother, more compact shapes without these protrusions, but both share a similar rigid, boxy structure that connects their family.

Where do longhorn cowfish live?

Longhorn cowfish are native to the Indo-Pacific region, a vibrant expanse of tropical waters stretching from the Red Sea through to Australia and Japan. They are typically found near the sandy bottoms of coral reef lagoons or flats. These habitats provide the cowfish with plenty of hiding spots and access to a nutritious diet, which they forage for by blowing away the sand using jets of water.

Is the longhorn cowfish poisonous?

The longhorn cowfish is known for its toxicity. Like many members of the boxfish family, they produce a toxin known as ostracitoxin when stressed, which can be harmful to other marine life. As well as this, their flesh is poisonous if a predator eats it. This acts as a defence mechanism against predators ensuring their survival in a competitive underwater landscape.

What do longhorn cowfish eat?

The longhorn cowfish are omnivores, meaning they survive off a diet of both meat and vegetation. Their diet includes small invertebrates, algae, and other marine organisms. To gather their food, they use a unique feeding method to uncover their meals, blowing jets of water into the sand to expose hidden prey before picking them off the sea floor.

As for their predators, the cowfish’s toxic nature deters most predators with any sense, but they are still occasionally targeted by larger, immune predators such as sharks like the blacktip reef shark.

Longhorn cowfish behaviour

The longhorn cowfish exhibits fascinating behaviours and adaptations that set them apart from other animals you’ll see at Hastings Aquarium.

Solitary and territorial

Adult cowfish prefer a solitary lifestyle and are known to fiercely guard their territories, usually only seen in pairs when mating which involves complex courting rituals before the parents go their separate ways again.

Ostraciiform locomotion

They move using a swimming style where their dorsal and pectoral fins flap in unison, giving the illusion of hovering across the sea floor. Although this looks incredible, it does make them quite weak swimmers.

Unique anatomy

Without a pelvic skeleton, they lack pelvic fins, which can make their movements slower and more deliberate.

Gill structure

Unlike other fish, longhorn cowfish do not have gill covers. Instead, they breathe by drawing water through their mouths and passing it over their gills via small slits.

There’s no doubt that the longhorn cowfish is a marvel of the marine world, combining unique anatomy, behaviours, and adaptations to make it a standout fish at Hastings Aquarium.

Whether you’re drawn to its peculiar appearance, curious about its solitary lifestyle, or fascinated by its defence mechanisms, the longhorn cowfish promises to leave a lasting impression.

Book your visit today and meet this remarkable species up close at Hastings Aquarium!

Type

Fish

What do they eat?

Small invertebrates, algae and other small organisms

Size

Up to 50cm

Water Type

Saltwater

Where are we?

Indo-Pacific region

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