The Longhorn Cowfish (Lactoria cornuta), also called the Horned Boxfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Ostraciidae. This species is recognizable by its long horns that protrude from the front of its head, rather like those of a cow or bull.

Distribution and Habitat

The Longhorn Cowfish is a resident of the Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa eastward through Indonesia to the Marquesas, northward to southern Japan, and south to Australia and Lord Howe Island. Adults are reef fish often solitary and territorial, living around sand or rubble bottom at depths of 1 to 45 meters.

Physical Description

The Longhorn Cowfish can grow up to 50 cm (20 in) long. It has a distinctive box-shaped body with long horns protruding from the front of the head.

Diet and Feeding

The Longhorn Cowfish is omnivorous, feeding upon benthic algae, various microorganisms, foraminiferans, sponges, polychaete worms, mollusks, small crustaceans, and small fish. It is able to feed on benthic invertebrates by blowing jets of water into the sandy substrate. In captivity it accepts a varied diet including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and frozen preparations.

Behavior and Reproduction

This species is generally peaceful but can release toxic mucus when stressed.

Aquarium Care

It requires a large tank of at least 100 gallons. It is not considered reef-safe.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.