Fin's Fish Guide
The Scrawled cowfish (Acanthostracion quadricornis) is a saltwater fish of the family Ostraciidae that grows up to 55 cm.
Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, near seagrass beds, reefs and rocky bottoms of shallow coastal water.
Description
The scrawled cowfish is an angular boxfish of the family Ostraciidae reaching about 55 cm. The body is enclosed in a rigid, bony carapace, with openings for the mouth, eyes, fins and tail; above the eyes stand two horn-like spines, hence 'cowfish'. Over the yellow-green carapace runs a pattern of blue scrawled lines and spots. Because the carapace makes the body rigid, the fish swims slowly with fluttering fins. The species lives near seagrass beds, reefs and rocky bottoms of shallow coastal water from the USA to Brazil. It eats sea anemones, crustaceans, shellfish, worms and seagrass. When stressed it can release a skin toxin that, in an enclosed space, can kill other fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Scrawled cowfish?
The Scrawled cowfish has an irregular in shape body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a marbled pattern. Angular boxfish with bony armour, a pair of horn-like spines above the eyes and a pattern of blue scrawled markings; can secrete a skin toxin. Note: 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 Scrawled cowfish live?
The Scrawled cowfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, near seagrass beds, reefs and rocky bottoms of shallow coastal water.
How big does the Scrawled cowfish get?
The Scrawled cowfish grows to a maximum of about 55 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Scrawled cowfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Scrawled cowfish is harmless to humans. When stressed this cowfish can release a skin toxin (ostracitoxin) into the water; do not handle a caught animal unnecessarily and do not place it with other fish in a small tank.
Is the Scrawled cowfish edible?
The Scrawled cowfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Scrawled cowfish and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Scrawled cowfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Scrawled cowfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Scrawled cowfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Scrawled cowfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.