Fin's Fish Guide
The Thornback cowfish (Lactoria fornasini) is a saltwater fish of the family Ostraciidae that grows up to 23 cm.
Description
The thornback cowfish is a boxfish from the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Hawaii, north to Japan. The species grows to about 23 cm and has an angular body in a bony carapace, with a pair of forward horns above the eyes and a conspicuous spine on the back, from which it takes its name. It lives on reef and sandy bottoms and eats small bottom invertebrates. Like other boxfishes it secretes a toxic skin mucus (ostracitoxin) when stressed that can kill other fish; in parts of the tropics the flesh is considered poisonous. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Thornback cowfish?
The Thornback cowfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Horns above the eyes and a spine on the back; secretes toxic skin mucus (ostracitoxin)
Where does the Thornback cowfish live?
The Thornback cowfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Thornback cowfish get?
The Thornback cowfish grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.
Is the Thornback cowfish dangerous to humans?
The Thornback cowfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not keep the fish with others in the same tank: when stressed the skin releases ostracitoxin that can kill them. In parts of the tropics the flesh is poisonous; do not eat the fish and seek medical help if swallowed.
Is the Thornback cowfish edible?
The Thornback cowfish is not usually eaten.
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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 Thornback cowfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Thornback cowfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.