Appearance and lifestyle:
Longhorn cowfish (Lactoria cornuta) bodies are enclosed in an “armour” of fused bony scales, and they have two prominent horns protruding above their eyes. Unlike other fish, they do not have gill covers. These fish are known to make grunting noises when they are caught. They are often dried and sold as ornaments. They can grow to a maximum size of 45cm.
Habitat:
Longhorn cowfish are commonly found in harbours and estuaries in the Indo-Pacific. They occur at depths of up to 100m.
Diet:
They are omnivorous feeding on small crustaceans, algae, worms etc.
Threats:
Overfishing, habitat loss, pollution etc.
(Photo: Geoff Spiby)
These fish can excrete a deadly toxin when they are severely stressed.
Known to make grunting noises when caught.
They are often dried and sold as ornaments.