Thornback Cowfish - Medium

The Thornback Cowfish (Scientific Name:- Lactoria fornasini), is a beautiful but poisonous species of boxfish. Their natural habitat is across the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region from East Africa to French Polynesia. They can grow to a max length of 9 inches (23cm). Its main natural omnivorous diet consists of small invertebrates it hunts on the ocean floor and sea vegetation.

Tank Recommendations for Thornback Cowfish

The smallest size of your tank should be at least 455 litres (100 gallons).

Be cautious about introducing to a reef tank as these guys love to snack on tube worms.

Suitable Tank Buddies

When possible, it is best to introduce your Thornback Cowfish to the tank before other fish so it can get used to its new environment. These guys are peaceful and chill creatures and are best suited with other peaceful fish, no bullies allowed. The reason for this is when the Thornback Cowfish feels threatened or stressed they secrete a poisonous toxin from its skin. This is likely to wipe out the rest of the fish in your tank, including the Thornback Cowfish itself.

Usually Compatible

Clown Fish, dwarf/large Angel Fish, Batfish, Hogfish, Basslets, Blennies make good tank mates. Dart Fish, Butterfly Fish, Gobies, Live Corals, Damsels and Foxface/Rabbit Fish are also all good choices for a drama-free tank.

Sometime Compatible

Be cautious when considering species such as Puffers, other Boxfish, Hawkfish, Groupers, Triggers and Invertebrates. Thornback Cowfish eat invertebrates in the wild so it might be best to avoid adding them altogether.

Rarely Compatible

Species which are a definite no-no include Sharks, Rays, Seahorses (what why those cute little guys? because the will compete for the same food resources), Pipefish and the Cleaner Wrasse. The Cleaner Wrasse will chase and pester a Thornback Cowfish to death to clean them. In conclusion, there should be no type of aggressive or downright annoying fish at all kept with your Thornback Cowfish.

Feeding Your Thornback Cowfish

Give them a mixed diet of cut-up meaty seafoods. These can include Krill, raw Shrimp, Clams, Squid, Crab and Mussels. These fish are omnivores so it is also a good idea to feed them a type of herbivore supplement containing marine algae to their diet. An easy way to do this is if you have some live rock in your tank for algae scraping. Do not feed floating foods as the Thornback Cowfish may ingest air at the surface.