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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Ostraciidae (Boxfish)
Natural Range: Red Sea, Indian and Pacific Oceans
Depth: 59 to 328 ft. Size: 18 in. Jumps: No Space: 180+ gal.
Reef Safe: No Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Benthic invertebrates
Natural History: The Adult Long-horn Cowfish is found individually in harbors and estuaries over muddy and sandy bottoms, often in weedy areas. Juveniles are found in groups and frequent estuaries. It feeds by 'blowing away sand' to reveal the crustaceans, molluscs, and bristleworms below.
Husbandry: The Long-horn Cowfish is a boxfish and may nip at small coral polyps of Xenia and Anthelia. It is aggressive toward conspecifics but not to unrelated species. They do contain a toxin (ostracitoxin) and should be housed in a peaceful community tank to avoid its release. They must be removed from any aquarium immediately if they die.