Box fish/ Cow fish

dereks16 · Jul 20, 2014

Hey everyone. I just wanted to start a thread for anyone who has owned a boxfish also known as a cow fish.

I just yesterday picked up one when I went to the LFS for food only. I know I'm not the only one who's done that. and of course after I got home I did some research.

What scares me is the info I found on how these fish release a toxin that will kill all your fish when very upset or dies.

If anyone has had experience with a box fish or has any helpful tips or info I would appreciate it. Because I'm on the fence with bringing it back to the store today.

miamiangler · Jul 20, 2014

I
have had sharpnosed puffers In my tank before never had any Issues . not a fish I would put In a reef tank .

eatbreakfast · Jul 20, 2014

I have had longhorn cowfish on a few occasions. I have never had an issue with the release of the toxin. Most of the accounts I am aware of are cases with extreme aggression or the boxfish getting stuck on the overflow or on a powerhead.

The bigger issues I have seen is it is difficult to tell if they are not getting enough to eat as they have a rigid body. So I wouldnt keep them with fish that will outcompete them for food. They are also prone to ich.

dereks16 · Jul 20, 2014

The more I think on it. The more I feel it should go back. As cool as I think the fish is. My other two options seem better. A saddled puffer or a copper band butterfly fish. One of my favorites. May be taking the trip this afternoon. Any tips on getting it out. Will me netting it cause it to release toxin?

Mike in CT · Jul 20, 2014

This is where smart phones come in really handy. We have all been tempted to purchase a fish on a whim. At least with a phone you can do a
quick check and see what your getting yourself into.

dereks16 · Jul 20, 2014

And I've done that before. But store has horrible signal. And my wife and daughter both tag teamed me into this over the saddled puffer. So I just went with it. Decisions.

Mike in CT · Jul 20, 2014

I was tripled teamed by my three boys when they saw 2 fire fish last time I went to LFS. Luckily they have been stayed a pair and have been a good addition to the tank.

Daniel@R2R · Jul 20, 2014

I've been doing doing some research on these myself lately. It seems that it's rare for the toxin to be an issue. In fact, I couldn't find a single first-hand account. I've been thinking about getting one myself. I didn't know they were ich prone.

Mike&Terry · Jul 20, 2014

We kept a Longhorn Cowfish for 3 years (sadly, we lost him with the move to our current house and tank upgrade). They are highly personable fish (puppies of the tank) and can be GREAT in the right environment. They grow quite large (over a foot and a half) in length. They are best housed with peaceful tank mates, lower flow (especially when small) and will do better in a tank with lots of pods and tiny crustaceans. They will go after feather dusters and small snails as well. They are omnivores and should be offered algae on a regular basis.

They can be quickly out-competed for food. Cowfish/boxfish should not have concave sides which indicates starvation.

hth

dereks16 · Jul 24, 2014

I ended up bringing it back and got a saddle puffer. Didn't want to chance it. Anyone know if we can feed it cod fish? Was gonna get Larry's reef food but it was 25 bucks for a sheet.

Reefing Madness · Jul 24, 2014

I kept a Longhorn Cowfish myself, loved that fishy!! Very cool dude, personality, and my kid thought it was a hovering UFO in my tank. Never had an issue when I kept one. Thats also when I ran carbon as well.

tyler1503 · Jul 25, 2014

I'm getting a longhorn cowfish for my 120 eventually. Awesome fish!
Also the valentini puffer won't disappoint lol. Best fish I've ever owned! They, like the cowfish as it was mentioned above, become like puppies in the tank. Mine begs for food, spits water at me, blows bubbles and always get in the way of the camera. A very curious fish!

tyler1503 · Jul 25, 2014

dereks16 said:
I ended up bringing it back and got a saddle puffer. Didn't want to chance it. Anyone know if we can feed it cod fish? Was gonna get Larry's reef food but it was 25 bucks for a sheet.

Is it the white cod meat? Or that orangey red one? If it's white I'd say go ahead. I wouldn't feed the orange meat though. Mine loves squid and shrimp.
I can't remember where, but I read coloured meats aren't good for liver function in fish. I don't remember any solid facts proving this, but I have no reason to risk it when the white stuff is just as good!

reif119 · Jul 26, 2014

tyler1503 said:
Is it the white cod meat? Or that orangey red one? If it's white I'd say go ahead. I wouldn't feed the orange meat though. Mine loves squid and shrimp.
I can't remember where, but I read coloured meats aren't good for liver function in fish. I don't remember any solid facts proving this, but I have no reason to risk it when the white stuff is just as good!

Prawn for the win!