• Longhorn Boxfish - Lactoria cornuta - Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium
  • Longhorn Boxfish - Lactoria cornuta - Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium
1 2

Marine Fish

Longhorn Boxfish - Lactoria cornuta

Longhorn Boxfish - Lactoria cornuta
$99.00 AUD
$99.00 AUD
Sale Sold out
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Please note that all livestock and live animals—including fish, birds, corals, small animals, and live plants—are currently unavailable for purchase online. These items are only available for in-store purchase until further notice.

Stock & Availability
Size
View Product details
product-img
Longhorn Boxfish - Lactoria cornuta
$99.00 AUD
$99.00 AUD
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

An unmistakable and charismatic species, the Longhorn Boxfish (Lactoria cornuta) draws attention with its bright yellow body, comical "horns," and endearing, hover-like swimming style. This slow-moving oddball glides through the water like a cartoon character brought to life. While beautiful and fascinating, this species is best suited for experienced aquarists due to its specialised care needs and the potential to release toxins under stress.

Availability:
Occasionally available in the Australian aquarium trade. Juveniles are more commonly offered and tend to adjust better to captive conditions. Due to their specialist requirements, availability may be limited. Contact us to confirm stock or to discuss transport options for this delicate species.

Disclaimer:
"Due to variations within species and the age of the fish, the item you receive may not look identical to the image provided."

Species: Lactoria cornuta
Common Names: Longhorn Boxfish, Horned Boxfish, Cowfish
Origin: Indo-Pacific – reefs and lagoons from East Africa to Japan and northern Australia
Light Requirements: Moderate
Diet: Omnivorous – eats a mix of meaty foods (mysis, krill, clam, chopped prawn), marine algae, and quality pellet/gel diets
Maximum Size: Up to 40 cm in the wild; typically 20–25 cm in captivity
Temperament: Peaceful, but not reef-safe
Care Level: Advanced

Aquarium Setup:
Longhorn Boxfish require a large, mature aquarium of 300–400 litres minimum, with gentle flow, open swimming space, and plenty of live rock for foraging. Avoid strong powerheads or exposed intake filters, as their clumsy swimming makes them prone to getting stuck. They do not belong in reef tanks, as they may graze on sponges, coral polyps, and small invertebrates. A secure, covered lid is a must to prevent injury from surface dashing.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.025
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

Growth and Maintenance:
With proper care, the Longhorn Boxfish can live for many years in captivity, growing steadily over time. They are highly sensitive to water quality and must be kept in pristine, stable conditions. This species is capable of releasing a toxic substance (ostracitoxin) when severely stressed or dying, which can endanger tankmates. For this reason, it's best kept alone or with very peaceful, non-aggressive fish. Never use a net to handle boxfish – always transfer with a container.

Care Tips:
✔ Handling: Never net – use a cup or container for transfers
✔ Tankmates: Only very peaceful species – no nippers or aggressors
✔ Feeding: 2–3 small meals per day, soaked in vitamins
✔ Environment: Gentle flow, minimal stress, no sudden disturbances
✔ Filtration: Use pre-filters or sponge guards to prevent injury

Compatibility:
Best housed singly or with slow-moving, ultra-peaceful tankmates such as gobies, blennies, or seahorses. Avoid triggers, puffers, tangs, wrasses, and any species with a curious or nippy disposition. Absolutely not suitable for reef tanks – they'll sample soft corals and small inverts without hesitation.

Recently Viewed