Thornback Cowfish Care Guide
Lactoria fornasini is an Indo-Pacific cowfish reaching 23 cm, an invertebrate feeder that releases a soap-like toxin (pahutoxin) under stress.
Overview
Lactoria fornasini, the thornback cowfish, belongs to the family Ostraciidae. FishBase records it as a reef-associated Indo-West Pacific species reaching 23 cm in total length. Its hexagonal plate-like scales are fused into a box-like carapace with protruding eyes, mouth, fins and tail, and it bears small pre-ocular spines and a dorsal ridge spine.
Taxonomy
- Family: Ostraciidae
- Genus: Lactoria
- Scientific name: Lactoria fornasini
Habitat
FishBase reports the range from East Africa to the Hawaiian and Rapa Islands, north to southern Japan and south to Lord Howe Island. It is benthopelagic over rubble and sand on clear outer lagoon and seaward reefs, at depths of 5-132 m but usually 6-30 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L (about 106 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
This omnivore feeds on small invertebrates, which Wikipedia notes are exposed by jets of water from the mouth blowing away sand. In aquaria it is offered varied small meaty and algae-based marine foods two times daily.
Compatibility
FishBase and Wikipedia describe the species as usually solitary, with males becoming highly territorial during the breeding season. It is peaceful toward most tankmates and is best kept with slow-feeding, peaceful species. Aggressive fish, triggers, eels and other stress-inducing tankmates should be avoided.
Defence
Wikipedia reports that the species releases pahutoxin, a soap-like toxin, through its skin when stressed, which can incapacitate or kill predators and other fish in a confined system.
Conservation status
FishBase lists the species as Least Concern (assessed 18 August 2023).