Fin's Fish Guide
The Honeycomb cowfish (Acanthostracion polygonius) is a fish of the family Ostraciidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
The honeycomb cowfish is a boxfish (Ostraciidae) from the western Atlantic Ocean. The species has a body fused by bony plates into a rigid armour with a honeycomb-like hexagonal pattern and a pair of forward-pointing horns above the eyes. It lives on coral and rocky reefs and hovers slowly in search of food. With its small mouth it takes sponges, molluscs, crustaceans and other bottom invertebrates. When stressed it secretes through the skin a toxin (ostracitoxin) that is poisonous to other animals.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Honeycomb cowfish?
The Honeycomb cowfish is mainly yellow-gold and shows a marbled pattern. Hexagonal honeycomb armour and horns above the eyes; secretes a skin toxin (ostracitoxin) when stressed. Caution: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with care or avoid in risk areas.
Where does the Honeycomb cowfish live?
The Honeycomb cowfish is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic; coral and rocky reefs.
How big does the Honeycomb cowfish get?
The Honeycomb cowfish grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Honeycomb cowfish dangerous to humans?
The Honeycomb cowfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat and handle with care: when stressed this fish secretes a toxin (ostracitoxin) through the skin. Wash your hands after contact and seek medical care for symptoms or after ingestion.
Is the Honeycomb cowfish edible?
The Honeycomb cowfish 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 Acanthostracion
More from the family Ostraciidae
Want the complete picture on the Honeycomb cowfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Honeycomb cowfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.