In nature, the Island Cowfish Acanthostracion notacanthus is a marine fish that lives among rocky areas and shallow sand at the edge of islands, such as the environment found on the coast of Ghana, Africa. It has large eyes with coloring that starts out in a mottled brown that matures to a brown and green palette in a reticulated pattern. An additional layer of intrigue is added by small white spots that explode across its body like illuminating lights. The two growths that protrude between its eyes mimics the horns of a cow.

This Cowfish is suited to the care of an expert aquarist because it contains a toxin that is released when it feels threatened. The toxin, Ostracitoxin, can kill other fish in the aquarium. To help this Cowfish manage stress, the marine aquarium in which it lives should provide plenty of swimming area and multiple hiding places, like those that live rock provides.

This member of the Ostraciidae family is an omnivore and should be offered a variety of meaty and vegetable foods.

Approximate shipping size: Small: 1" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 5"; Large: 5" to 7"

Caution: This species secretes or releases toxins when stressed or injured that may kill fish in the aquarium. LiveAquaria.com cannot accept responsibility for any loss that may occur should this animal poison the aquarium.