Sealife guideThe thornback cowfishLactoria fornasini
Last updated on 09/18/2024 at 10:37 PM
Taxonomy
Description
The thornback cowfish has a box-shaped body that resembles a chest. It is distinguished by its long spines located on its head above its eyes, as well as on the dorsal and posterior parts of its body.
The thornback cowfish displays a yellowish to greenish coloration with irregular patterns of bluish or brown spots and lines across its body.
Geographic range
The thornback cowfish is found throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, especially in the Bali sea, from east Africa to the Bass islands.
Habitat
The thornback cowfish lives in coral reefs and seagrass beds, where it easily hides thanks to its patterns
Did you know ?
The thornback cowfish is a poisonous species of boxfish. Indeed, when stressed or threatened, it secretes toxins as a means of defense against predators
Unlike other fish, the boxfish’s body is covered with a rigid shell made of bony plates, which protects it like armor from predators but also limits its body movements. As a result, the boxfish moves more slowly by undulating its dorsal and anal fins.
Within the same family
Honeycomb cowfish
(Acanthostracion polygonium)
Reticulate boxfish
(Ostracion solorensis)
Scrawled cowfish
(Acanthostracion quadricornis)
Smooth trunkfish
(Rhinesomus triqueter)
Spotted boxfish
(Ostracion meleagris)
Spotted trunkfish
(Lactophrys bicaudalis)
Yellow boxfish
(Ostracion cubicus)
Discover also
Blackstripe cardinalfish
(Ostorhinchus nigrofasciatus)
Crocodile snake eel
(Brachysomophis henshawi)
Double-spotted queenfish
(Scomberoides lysan)
Grunt sculpin
(Rhamphocottus richardsonii)
Midnight snapper
(Macolor macularis)
Mottled warbonnet
(Chirolophis japonicus)
Stoplight parrotfish
(Sparisoma viride)
Tarry hogfish
(Bodianus bilunulatus)
The marine species from Indo-Pacific
Bicolor angelfish
(Centropyge bicolor)
Blue tunicate
(Rhopalaea fusca)
Brownbanded bamboo shark
(Chiloscyllium punctatum)
Copperbanded butterfly
(Chelmon rostratus)
Lemonpeel angelfish
(Centropyge flavissima)
Pearl-scaled angelfish
(Centropyge vrolikii)
Persian carpet flatworm
(Pseudobiceros bedfordi)
Our latestUpdates
Friday, January 10th 2025
Hvar island
Hvar, a jewel of the Adriatic, captivates with its turquoise waters, wild coves and fragrant lavender fields. Between medieval villages, lively ports, and lush hills, Hvar island offers the perfect mix of relaxation, culture and breathtaking landscapes. Ideal for sun, sea and authentic experiences.
Thursday, January 9th 2025
The lemonpeel angelfish
The lemonpeel angelfish is a small, brightly colored reef fish found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific ocean. It inhabits shallow coral reefs, sheltering among corals and rocky crevices.
Friday, December 19th 2025
The magic of Christmas decorations
Discover Christmas decorations in Florida: giant trees, illuminated palm trees, magical light displays and tropical settings to experience the holiday magic under the sun.
Photo of the Day
Platax à longues nageoires
(Platax teira)
