Longhorn Cowfish
(Lactoria cornuta)

Description

Longhorn Cowfish: Unique & Majestic Marine Beauty

Commanding attention with its distinctive horns and box-shaped body, the Longhorn Cowfish is a truly captivating addition for the advanced marine aquarist. A patient and dedicated approach will reveal its charming personality.

Overview

The Longhorn Cowfish (Lactoria cornuta) boasts an iconic, box-like body, adorned with long, horn-like protrusions above its eyes and sometimes near its tail. Its typically yellow to olive coloration is beautifully accented with white and blue spots. These slow-moving fish gracefully hover through the water, primarily propelled by their pectoral and dorsal fins. Adults are generally solitary and territorial, often observed sifting through substrate with jets of water to uncover food.

Care Level

This species is for expert aquarists only due to its demanding care requirements and unique defense mechanism. While generally peaceful towards most tank mates, they can be aggressive with other cowfish. Crucially, they release a potent toxin when stressed, which can harm or kill other inhabitants.

Tank Essentials

A minimum of 700 litres is essential for a single Longhorn Cowfish, providing ample swimming and exploration space. Maintain stable water parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, temperature 22-26°C, and specific gravity 1.020-1.025. Moderate water flow and plenty of live rock for grazing are recommended.

Diet

As omnivores, Longhorn Cowfish require a varied diet of meaty and vegetable foods. Offer high-quality frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, chopped seafood, and marine algae. Feeding 2-3 times daily ensures their nutritional needs are met and helps manage their continuously growing teeth.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy Longhorn Cowfish online from us, you invest in healthy aquarium fish nurtured under optimal conditions. We prioritize ethical sourcing and humane shipping, ensuring your new aquatic companion arrives vibrant and ready to thrive in your carefully prepared aquarium. Experience the difference quality makes for your prized marine inhabitants.

• Scientific Name: Lactoria cornuta
• Common Name / Variant: Longhorn Cowfish
• Maximum Size: 45 cm
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 22–26°C
• Lifespan: 10+ years
• Swimming Zone: Mid-to-Bottom

Add this extraordinary Longhorn Cowfish to your specialized marine display today!