{"product_id":"long-horned-cowfish","title":"Long Horned Cowfish","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eLong Horned Cowfish\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eLactoria cornuta\u003c\/em\u003e) is a distinctive marine fish with a rigid armored body. A pair of long horns above the eyes and a second pair at the rear of the body distinguish this cowfish. Its yellow to olive-green carapace carries pale blue or white spots, and its small fins keep it hovering as it explores the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Indo-Pacific, it inhabits sandy and weedy areas near reefs, sheltered lagoons, and coastal habitats. It can blow jets of water into sand to uncover small invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts deliberate movements and attentive feeding behavior make it interesting to observe, but successful care requires an experienced aquarist. A mature aquarium, reliable food intake, calm tankmates, and careful stress management are essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expert\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 250 Gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 18 inches (46 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eLactoria cornuta\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide a mature aquarium of at least 250 gallons for long-term adult housing, with a broad footprint, open swimming lanes, and sheltered resting areas. Arrange stable live rock with ample clearance around the rigid body. The horns and rigid body need generous clearance. Avoid narrow rock passages, abrasive decorations, and small nets that can catch the spines. Use gentle to moderate, broadly distributed circulation with good oxygenation. Guard pump intakes and avoid concentrated jets that force the fish against equipment. Maintain effective biological filtration and protein skimming; frequent feeding makes regular waste removal especially important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied mix of mysis shrimp, finely chopped shrimp, clam, mussel, and squid, supplemented with marine algae or a balanced algae-based marine preparation. Use appropriately sized, slow-sinking foods and offer two to three small meals daily. Confirm that the fish actually eats before faster tankmates take the food. Target feeding can help, and live enriched brine shrimp may encourage a reluctant new arrival before it transitions to a varied prepared diet. Avoid relying on brine shrimp or krill alone, and present food below the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWatch feeding closely during acclimation and after any tankmate change. A rigid carapace can make changes in body condition less obvious. Remove uneaten food promptly and investigate a declining appetite early.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eGenerally peaceful toward unrelated fish, this slow, deliberate feeder needs calm companions that will not nip, chase, or dominate feeding time. Avoid aggressive triggers, puffers, and other persistent harassers. Keep one boxfish or cowfish per aquarium unless an experienced keeper has planned a suitable, exceptionally spacious arrangement. A male and female listing does not mean that two individuals will form a compatible pair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eNot recommended for a conventional reef aquarium. Foraging can put ornamental shrimp, small crabs, snails, tube worms, and other small invertebrates at risk. Leaving some corals alone does not make it safe for the entire reef community. A peaceful fish-only aquarium with live rock is the preferred setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–79°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMaintain stable, well-oxygenated water, undetectable ammonia and nitrite, and consistent maintenance. Avoid rapid changes in temperature, salinity, or pH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eToxin risk:\u003c\/strong\u003e Boxfish and cowfish can release a defensive skin toxin when severely stressed or injured, potentially endangering other fish in a closed system. Minimize handling, prevent harassment, and transfer with a suitable submerged rigid container. Keep fresh activated carbon and prepared saltwater available. If toxin release is suspected, respond promptly with water changes, fresh carbon, and increased aeration; carbon does not guarantee that livestock will be protected.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult housing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plan for the adult size of 18 inches and a minimum 250-gallon aquarium, with room to turn comfortably.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding competition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide several small meals and confirm food reaches this slow feeder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHandling and flow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Avoid rough netting, exposed pump intakes, and powerful direct currents.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e The horns and rigid body need generous clearance. Avoid narrow rock passages, abrasive decorations, and small nets that can catch the spines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"T (\u003c1.5\")","offer_id":51137435828522,"sku":"BOXxLongT","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"S (1.6-2\")","offer_id":53340344680746,"sku":"BOXxLongS","price":56.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"SM (2.1-2.5\")","offer_id":53340344713514,"sku":"BOXxLongSM","price":68.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M (2.6-3.25\")","offer_id":53340344746282,"sku":"BOXxLongM","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML (3.26-4\")","offer_id":53340344779050,"sku":"BOXxLongML","price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L (4.1-4.5\")","offer_id":53340344811818,"sku":"BOXxLongL","price":164.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL (4.6-5.5\")","offer_id":53340344844586,"sku":"BOXxLongX","price":209.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX (5.6-6.5\")","offer_id":53340344877354,"sku":"BOXxLongXX","price":338.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/Long-Horned-Cowfish.png?v=1793117258","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/long-horned-cowfish","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}