Cowfish – Longhorn

Longhorn Cowfish Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size:  100 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 45cm (1′ 8″)

Diet: Omnivore

Temperament: Peaceful

Lifespan: Up to 8 years

Scientific Name: Lactoria Cornuta

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes with caution

Approx. Purchase Size:  2-4 inches

The longhorn cowfish, scientific name Lactoria Cornuta is a peaceful fish. This fish has a minimum tank size of 100 gallons. They have a maximum size of 1’8” but that size is never seen in captivity, 10” maximum is a maximum size seen in captivity, and this still takes more than 5 years to grow this large. Longhorn cowfish can live up to 8 years under ideal conditions. Cowfish are omnivores and will eat small species of frozen shrimp for example mysis and brine. Longhorn cowfish will also eat seaweed sheets if they are given the opportunity. Longhorn cowfish should be kept alone or in a mated pair.  Cowfish are not considered reef safe. Cowfish do not bother coral at all, but they will nibble on tubeworms, and may prey upon crustaceans, nano fish and mollusks. The longhorn cowfish is described as a poisonous species. Cowfish release toxins found in their skin when they get stressed and also when they die. However there have been multiple reports of cowfish dying without releasing this toxin in aquariums. As a precaution, due to this factor, they should be kept with only peaceful tank mates. Longhorn cowfish are also called the horned cowfish.