Fin's Fish Guide
The Cow (Lactoria diaphana) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ostraciidae that grows up to 34 cm.
Worldwide in tropical and subtropical oceans, on coral and rocky reefs and offshore sand and mud flats; juveniles oceanic.
Description
The roundbelly cowfish is a boxfish (family Ostraciidae) occurring worldwide in tropical and subtropical oceans. The species reaches about 34 cm and has an angular, yellow-brown body encased in a bony carapace, with horns above the eyes. It inhabits coral and rocky reefs of coastal areas and is also common on offshore sand and mudflats; young fish live oceanically. Its diet consists of small bottom invertebrates, molluscs and algae. When stressed the skin releases a toxin (ostracitoxin) into the water, which can be lethal to other fishes in an aquarium. The species is therefore not suitable to eat.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cow?
The Cow has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Boxfish with a bony armour and little horns; releases a toxin (ostracitoxin) into the water when stressed.
Where does the Cow live?
The Cow lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Worldwide in tropical and subtropical oceans, on coral and rocky reefs and offshore sand and mud flats; juveniles oceanic.
How big does the Cow get?
The Cow grows to a maximum of about 34 cm.
Is the Cow dangerous to humans?
The Cow is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. When stressed the skin releases a toxin (ostracitoxin); wash hands after contact and do not eat the fish from a doubtful source.
Is the Cow edible?
The Cow is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lactoria
More from the family Ostraciidae
Want the complete picture on the Cow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cow is one of 12,519 species in the app.