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(lactoria cornuta)
Saltwater
Native to the Indo-Pacific Oceans, this is a rare and difficult fish to care for. They have a yellow body, covered in white and blue dots and blue fins with green near the body. On top of the head are two hornlike projections. As this fish grows longer, the horns will get shorter. Also, as the caudal fin becomes longer, as they get older. This is the least venomous of the boxfish; less likely to release its toxins when stressed. An active fish, it can get to be rather large if well-kept.
Size: sm. 3/4"-1"; med. 1 1/2"-2 1/2"; lg. 3"-4"; xl. 4"-5"
No. in Tank: Juveniles: more than 1 OK; as adults, they may fight.
Tank: min. 125 gallon.
Temperament: Peaceful
Food: (Omnivore) A varied diet including squid, clams, mussels, and herbivore preparations. When first introduced, best to feed live brine shrimp and bloodworms should be given. This is a slow eater, don't place in an aquarium with aggressive eaters, as this fish may starve.
Light: Medium
Adaptation: If possible, it should always be the first fish introduced, with plenty of live rock from which it can scrape off algae. In the beginning, it will easily startle and may shoot around the tank, colliding with the sides and other things in the tank. Once acclimated, this behavior will stop. Needs plenty of room to swim and hide.
Compatibility: Does best in a community tank filled with peaceful, non-aggressive eaters, preferably bottom feeders. In a reef aquarium, it may nibble at the tubeworms. Because it is susceptible to cryptocaryon and lymphocystis, it needs to be away from cleaner fish such as wrasses.
Venomous: When becomes stressed or dies, will release a toxin called ostracitoxin from its skin, which can kill the other fish, including other Longhorns. If becomes stressed or dies, it should be removed from the aquarium as fast as possible. Keep activated carbon on hand. When introduced through the filtration system, it will absorb the toxin from the water. Additionally, exchange 50% of the aquarium water.
**EXPERTS ONLY
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