New addition ... the most adorable fish ever - Horn Nosed Cowfish

[Oksana Kudina]

Ladies and Gentleman, please welcome Bubbles.
Over the weekend I visited a small tropical fish store in Baltimore. They had the most unique collection of saltwater creatures, including an octopus, sting rays, sharks ... etc. In one of the tanks there were 5 of the most adorable tiny fish with personalities to die for. The employees had no idea what kind of fish this is, where it came from and what to charge for it. After playing hide and seek with them for an hour, I decided to take one home. I always wanted to try a boxfish but was afraid to order online since there is no guarantee on them.
There is a very little info on google about this particular one. I was able to find that this is Horn Nosed Cowfish. He is very fun to watch (no need for TV in the house) like a puppy following everyone. He took food the very next day, found tang's veggie clip and nips on it all day long.
He floats on the top of the tank (looks like a bubble). One of the articles I found says that he might jump. I hope not, since I have an open reef tank. So far he ignored the maroons, just watches them from the top. I hope he will stay away from anemone.
Does anyone has any experience with this fish? I wonder how fast he will be growing. I have a 65gal, I am sure will have to find a new home for him at one point.

 

[jboone82590]

Ladies and Gentleman, please welcome Bubbles.
Over the weekend I visited a small tropical fish store in Baltimore. They had the most unique collection of saltwater creatures, including an octopus, sting rays, sharks ... etc. In one of the tanks there were 5 of the most adorable tiny fish with personalities to die for. The employees had no idea what kind of fish this is, where it came from and what to charge for it. After playing hide and seek with them for an hour, I decided to take one home. I always wanted to try a boxfish but was afraid to order online since there is no guarantee on them.
There is a very little info on google about this particular one. I was able to find that this is Horn Nosed Cowfish. He is very fun to watch (no need for TV in the house) like a puppy following everyone. He took food the very next day, found tang's veggie clip and nips on it all day long.
He floats on the top of the tank (looks like a bubble). One of the articles I found says that he might jump. I hope not, since I have an open reef tank. So far he ignored the maroons, just watches them from the top. I hope he will stay away from anemone.
Does anyone has any experience with this fish? I wonder how fast he will be growing. I have a 65gal, I am sure will have to find a new home for him at one point.

Awesome little fish lol
Keep everyone posted on stuff you find out.

 

[4FordFamily]

So cute!! I don't think they're reef safe are they?

Keep us posted great find!

 

[Oksana Kudina]

According to Bluezooaquatics.com they are reef safe (don't care for corals, but might munch on shrimps and small invertebrates). My little guy leaves inside an acropora frag. I am still trying to figure out if he is nipping or just hanging out.

 

[eatbreakfast]

As they get bigger they may pick at Open brains, pipe organs, clams, and tube wors. On a positive I have also seen them pick at anemones.

 

[rizorido]

Be careful coz I know they release toxins in the water if they die abd can kill all fish in tank... always look for it and if it vanishes, make sure it's not dead inside the Rock... otherwise cute fish !

 

[tj w]

I had a long horned cowfish for a while in my reef. He stayed up top like yours. I had to take him out because it was too much flow for him and he couldn't compete for food

 

[Oksana Kudina]

Be careful coz I know they release toxins in the water if they die abd can kill all fish in tank... always look for it and if it vanishes, make sure it's not dead inside the Rock... otherwise cute fish !

From what I could find about this particular boxfish, it does not release toxins. I hope I will never find out

 

[eatbreakfast]

From what I could find about this particular boxfish, it does not release toxins. I hope I will never find out

All the species of box/cowfish are capable of releasing the toxin. However, I have found it is rare for them to do so, even once dead. It occurs when they get stressed, such as when being harassed or if stuck to an overflow or a powerhead.