Longhorn Cowfish
(Lactoria cornuta)
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Animal Type
Fish
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Exhibits
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Range
Indian Ocean
Pacific Ocean
Overview
This charismatic fish is a member of the boxfish family, and is easily recognizable by its long horns that protrude from the front of its head.
This fish displays a unique behavior of blowing into the sand of the ocean floor to uncover buried food items, such as small worms.
A Note from the Caretaker
The Aquarium's longhorn cowfish seems to enjoy the husbandry staff, frequently coming to the surface and spitting water in what might be an attempt to be noticed.
Quick Facts
Learn more about the longhorn cowfish! Did you know that this fish can excrete a toxin to deter predators?
The longhorn cowfish is found in the Red Sea and tropical Indo-Pacific.
This fish feeds on sponges, polychaete worms, mollusks, small crustaceans and small fishes.
The longhorn cowfish can grow to a length of 20 inches.
The population status of the longhorn cowfish is unknown.
All boxfish can excrete a toxin that usually keeps predators from eating them, although larger fish and sharks might try.
Explore Exhibit Residents
Learn more about the animals that share an exhibit with this one.
Anemones (Actiniaria)
Sea anemones are named after and resemble flowers.
Longnose Gar (Lepisosteus osseus)
Gar's are known as living fossils
Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus)
The shrimp’s own hard-shelled body is bursting with color—hues of bright red, green, orange and blue, and its forearms are covered in spots.