Description
Cowfish (Spiny box) 3″ – 4.25″ in size.
Cowfish Spiny Box Puffer or Lactoria diaphana is also known as a round belly cowfish. This species is yellowish to brown with dusky spots and blotches.
*Photo is a representation of the fish you will receive.
This preorder is an order on demand fish. This fish is not in stock ready to ship. After you order the fish, we will source and quarantine your fish for up to 14 days before shipping. We want to make sure it’s healthy to finish the trip. This fish requires 21-28 Business Days from ordering to shipping.
Cowfish (Spiny Box Puffer) – Lactoria diaphana
Overview
The Cowfish (Spiny Box Puffer), known scientifically as Lactoria diaphana and commonly referred to as the round-belly cowfish, is now available for pre-order at $39.99. This unique fish features a yellowish-brown body patterned with dusky spots and blotches, typically ranging in size between 3″ and 4.25″
Availability & Shipping
Pre-Order Only: This fish is not currently in stock. Upon purchase, SAQ will source and quarantine the specimen for up to 14 days to ensure its health and safety before shipping.
Transit Window: Expect shipping approximately 21–28 business days after order placement
Biological Profile & Natural History
Species Details: Also called the diaphonous or many-spined cowfish, it belongs to the boxfish family (Ostraciidae). It’s listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, and spans a wide range across the Indo-Pacific and southeastern Atlantic.
Appearance: Encased in a distinctive hexagonal carapace with spines above each eye and along its flanks, this fish’s dorsal and anal fins each have nine soft rays.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup: Requires a spacious tank with pristine water conditions. Cowfish are highly sensitive to poor water quality and stress, so a well-filtered, stable marine aquarium with moderate flow is essential.
Tank Size: While not species-specific, guidelines for boxfish and cowfish recommend at least 125 gallons, depending on final size.
Diet & Feeding
Natural Diet: In the wild, they feed on benthic invertebrates across coral reefs and sand flats..
Feeding in Captivity: Provide a rich, varied diet of meaty foods (e.g. crustaceans, mollusks) and consider including some herbivorous components to support physical health and beak maintenance.
Temperament & Compatibility
Generally peaceful in nature, but like other boxfish, they can release a deadly toxin called pahutoxin when stressed, which may be fatal to other tank inhabitants.
Best housed in fish-only setups or with very docile tankmates to minimize stress risk.
Summary Table
FeatureDetails
Common Name
Cowfish (Spiny Box Puffer), Round-belly Cowfish
Scientific Name
Lactoria diaphana
Size Available
3″ – 4.25″ (pre-order)
Price
$39.99
Availability
Pre-order; ships in ~21–28 business days after sourcing & quarantine
Origin & Habitat
Indo-Pacific & SE Atlantic; coastal reefs, sandy/mudflats
Tank Requirements
≥125 gallons; stable, pristine water
Diet
Omnivorous: benthic invertebrates, meaty & vegetable items
Temperament
Peaceful but toxin risk if stressed
Special Care Notes
Sensitive to stress, toxin release risk
Why This Fish Stands Out
Exotic Appeal: Its armored box-like body and subtle, patterned coloration make it a standout centerpiece.
Moderate Price Point: At just $39.99, it’s an accessible entry into the world of unusual marine species.
Health-First Shipping Process: The sourcing, 14-day quarantine, and careful handling ensure a healthier arrival.
Buying Tips
Have a suitable tank ready: Ensure your aquarium meets size and filtration standards.
Plan tankmates carefully: Avoid aggressive species that could stress or injure the cowfish.
Diversify feeding: Rotate foods like mysis, chopped shellfish, and algae-based supplements.
Monitor water quality: Frequent checks are critical for stress prevention.
