Cowfish

ID points

• Two long horns point forward above the eyes, like the horns of a cow
• The body is encased in hard bony plates like a square box
• Long slender tail base, the tail fin like a fan

Basics

Family

Ostraciidae

Length

25–45 cm

Depth

1-50 m

Regions

Indo-Pacific reefs

Distribution

Tropical Indo-Pacific coral reefs

Habitat

Sandy and seagrass areas near reefs

Diet

Benthic invertebrates

Easily confused with

BoxfishThe body is encased in bony plates, almost square in cross sectionBlackspotted PufferSparse large black spots on a grey-blue or yellow groundClown TriggerfishA patch of large round white spots on the belly

Fun fact

Two horn-like spines stick up from its head, and when threatened its skin releases a powerful toxin, pahutoxin, strong enough to kill other animals in the water and the cowfish itself along with them.