Thornback cowfish
📖 Overview
Inhabit clear outer lagoon and seaward reefs . Benthopelagic over rubble and sand at 5-132 m . Solitary . Males are highly territorial . Poisonous in some parts of the tropics .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 9. Caudal fin rays 10. Strong spine on middle of dorsal ridge. : short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Thornback cowfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 5 - 132 m , usually 6 - 30 m . Tropical; 32°N - 32°S West Pacific: East Africa to the Hawaiian and Rapa Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acanthostracion pentacanthus | Bleeker | 1857 | Synonym |
| Lactoria fuscomaculata | von Bonde | 1923 | Synonym |
| Lactoria galeodon | Jenkins | 1903 | Synonym |
| Lactoria pentacanthus | Bleeker | 1857 | Heterotypic |
| Ostracion fornasini | Bianconi | 1846 | Synonym |
| Ostracion pentacanthus | Bleeker | 1857 | Heterotypic |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Thornback cowfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 6 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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