Roundbelly Cowfish
Lactoria diaphana
- Group: Boxfish
- Typical depth: 8–50 m
- Max size: 34 cm
- For divers: dangerous
- IUCN status: LC
Encased in a bony box with a sharp horn over each eye, this cowfish drifts over coral, rock and offshore flats picking at bottom invertebrates. Its venomous skin can taint the water around it when stressed, and transparent young live near the surface offshore.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Tetraodontiformes › Ostraciidae › Lactoria
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 219903.
FAQ
- How deep does the Roundbelly Cowfish live?
- The Roundbelly Cowfish (Lactoria diaphana) is typically found at 8–50 m.
- Is the Roundbelly Cowfish dangerous to divers?
- The Roundbelly Cowfish can be dangerous; divers should keep their distance.
- How big does the Roundbelly Cowfish get?
- The Roundbelly Cowfish grows to about 34 cm.