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
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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.
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Transit Window: Expect shipping approximately 21–28 business days after order placement
Biological Profile & Natural History
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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.
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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
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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.
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Tank Size: While not species-specific, guidelines for boxfish and cowfish recommend at least 125 gallons, depending on final size.
Diet & Feeding
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Natural Diet: In the wild, they feed on benthic invertebrates across coral reefs and sand flats..
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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
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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.
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Best housed in fish-only setups or with very docile tankmates to minimize stress risk.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 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
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Exotic Appeal: Its armored box-like body and subtle, patterned coloration make it a standout centerpiece.
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Moderate Price Point: At just $39.99, it’s an accessible entry into the world of unusual marine species.
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Health-First Shipping Process: The sourcing, 14-day quarantine, and careful handling ensure a healthier arrival.
Buying Tips
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Have a suitable tank ready: Ensure your aquarium meets size and filtration standards.
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Plan tankmates carefully: Avoid aggressive species that could stress or injure the cowfish.
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Diversify feeding: Rotate foods like mysis, chopped shellfish, and algae-based supplements.
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Monitor water quality: Frequent checks are critical for stress prevention.
