sutton6989
Non-member
Was everyone's input on a cowfish in my 120g reef? I've always loved them but never had a big enough tank. Just want to see pros and cons
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Cowfish?
- Thread starter sutton6989
- Start date
MrX
Non-member
SonX really wanted to get one and I thought it would be cool, but the last part of the Live Aquaria info changed our minds:
The Longhorn Cowfish inhabit the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, usually in the less turbid waters. The body is tan to yellow and covered with white and blue dots, and is occasionally referred to as the Yellow Boxfish; however, the Longhorn is not to be confused with Ostracion cubicus, commonly called the Yellow or Polka Dot Boxfish. In the wild, it is not uncommon to see a 20" specimen, while in the aquarium the Longhorn Cowfish tends to be dramatically smaller - 16" or less.
When possible, the Longhorn Cowfish should be the first fish introduced in the tank. It is intolerant of other Longhorns, so keep it in a large tank, with some live rock for algae scraping. Use caution if placing the Cowfish Longhorn in a reef tank as it may nibble on tubeworms. When housed correctly, the Cowfish Longhorn is long-lived.
Similar to other boxfish, the Cowfish Longhorn's skin is poisonous and, when threatened, it will release a toxin lethal to other tank members, including other Longhorns.
Since they are omnivores, the Longhorn Cowfish should be offered a variety of meaty and vegetable foods. They are slow eaters, and should not be housed with aggressive eaters.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 3; Large: 3" to 4-3/4"
The Longhorn Cowfish inhabit the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, usually in the less turbid waters. The body is tan to yellow and covered with white and blue dots, and is occasionally referred to as the Yellow Boxfish; however, the Longhorn is not to be confused with Ostracion cubicus, commonly called the Yellow or Polka Dot Boxfish. In the wild, it is not uncommon to see a 20" specimen, while in the aquarium the Longhorn Cowfish tends to be dramatically smaller - 16" or less.
When possible, the Longhorn Cowfish should be the first fish introduced in the tank. It is intolerant of other Longhorns, so keep it in a large tank, with some live rock for algae scraping. Use caution if placing the Cowfish Longhorn in a reef tank as it may nibble on tubeworms. When housed correctly, the Cowfish Longhorn is long-lived.
Similar to other boxfish, the Cowfish Longhorn's skin is poisonous and, when threatened, it will release a toxin lethal to other tank members, including other Longhorns.
Since they are omnivores, the Longhorn Cowfish should be offered a variety of meaty and vegetable foods. They are slow eaters, and should not be housed with aggressive eaters.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 3; Large: 3" to 4-3/4"
| Caution: This species secretes or releases toxins when stressed or injured that may kill fish in the aquarium. LiveAquaria.com cannot accept responsibility for any loss that may occur should this animal poison the aquarium. |
sutton6989
Non-member
Thats what gets me too but I know people have kept them with success
Cute fish, but a gamble.
sutton6989
Non-member
All the cute fish are hahah
Ive never seen anyones tank crash because of them. Not saying its not true, but more or less highly unlikely. Ive personally had one for 1.5 years and he died in my tank and nothing or no other fish was hurt..
sutton6989
Non-member
I think I'm going to do it.
JeanR
Non-member
I've had a boxfish die in my tank (has the same warning) and nothing bad happened. Lots of other posts here and on R2R had the same experience. Most people seem to think the toxin thing is possible but no one knows of a real event where it actually happened and wiped out someones tank.
I didn't have success with my boxfish b/c I couldn't figure out how to get it to feed robustly. They get out competed by tank mates because they are very slow and not necessarily because tank mates are more aggressive.
I didn't have success with my boxfish b/c I couldn't figure out how to get it to feed robustly. They get out competed by tank mates because they are very slow and not necessarily because tank mates are more aggressive.
CrypticLifeStyle
Non-member
I used to maintain a tank in Hanover for a dentist office that had one, Lived forever, it would let you pet it, and was never a issue with it's tank mates. I've always wanted a tank full of them. They are like little aliens wanting to communicate, they love getting attention.
I caught an atlantic longhorn cowfish in newport and it did ok until it got stuck on my pump intake. Almost any amount of suction will trap them and if they get stuck they can't break free. He was in tall seaweeds swaying with the current, I only saw him when the waves moved the grass more than him. If you have just an overflow system that should be fine. Good luck.
