Island Cowfish
Acanthostracion notacanthus
- Group: Boxfish
- Typical depth: 3–25 m
- Max size: 50 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: DD
Encased in a rigid box of fused bony plates, this cowfish can only flutter its fins to move, puttering slowly over rock, rubble and sand around islands. A pair of horns juts forward above the eyes, giving the boxfish family its cowfish name.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Tetraodontiformes › Ostraciidae › Acanthostracion
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 127410.
FAQ
- How deep does the Island Cowfish live?
- The Island Cowfish (Acanthostracion notacanthus) is typically found at 3–25 m.
- Is the Island Cowfish dangerous to divers?
- The Island Cowfish is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Island Cowfish get?
- The Island Cowfish grows to about 50 cm.