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Longhorn Cowfish Lactoria cornuta Size: The average size for a longhorn cowfish is approximately 16 inches in length. Appearance: Cowfish belong to the family Ostraciidae and are closely related to pufferfish and filefish. Cowfish species have hexagon-shaped scales that fuse together to create a solid covering with small openings for their fins, gills and other organs but the longhorn cowfish can be easily distinguished by its pair of spines extending from the front of its head and two spines extending from either side of the lower end. Typical coloration of longhorn cowfish includes a yellow to green background with white or blue spots. Range/Distribution: Longhorn cowfish can be found in the warm waters of the IndoPacific region. Habitat: Longhorn cowfish can be found in bays and estuaries among weedy areas near rocky areas, coral reefs, mud flats and sandy habitats. Prey: Feeding mostly on bottom dwelling invertebrates, sponges, algae and even the occasional smaller fish, longhorn cowfish can spit water to uncover prey items hiding under the sandy bottom. Predators: Longhorn cowfish predation by larger fish such as tuna has been documented but these fish can secrete a toxin to poison potential predators. Reproduction: Adult longhorn cowfish are typically solitary but can be found in pairs when mating. Fertilization of the eggs is external and both the eggs and larvae are pelagic, meaning they wander through the open ocean. Conservation Status: Not evaluated by IUCN Threats: Although the longhorn cowfish has not been placed on the Endangered Species list and there are no current commercial cowfish fisheries, these fish are incidentally caught in fishing gear, purchased for display in aquaria, and even dried and used to make ornaments. References: 1. Md Shahzad Kuli Khan, Mohammad Abdul Momin Siddique, Mohammed Ashraful Haque; New record of the longhorn cowfish Lactoria cornuta (Linnaeus 1758) from inshore waters of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh; Zoology and Ecology, Vol. 23, Iss. 1, 2013 2. Breder, C.M. and D.E. Rosen, 1966. Modes of reproduction in fishes. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, New Jersey. 941 p. 3. Allen, G.R. and M.V. Erdmann, 2012. Reef fishes of the East Indies. Perth, Australia: Universitiy of Hawai'i Press, Volumes I-III. Tropical Reef Research. 4. Smith, M.M., 1986. Ostraciidae. p. 890-893. In M.M. Smith and P.C. Heemstra (eds.) Smiths' sea fishes. Springer-Verlag, Berlin. 5. Hutchins, J.B., 1984. Ostraciidae. In W. Fischer and G. Bianchi (eds.) FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Western Indian Ocean (Fishing area 51). Vol. 3, FAO, Rome. 6. Van der Elst, R., 1993. A guide to the common sea fishes of southern Africa. (3rd Ed.). Struik Publishers, Cape Town. 398 p.