Lactoria fornasini (Bianconi, 1846)
Thornback cowfish
Lactoria fornasini
photo by Greenfield, J.

 Family:  Ostraciidae (Boxfishes)
 Max. size:  23 cm TL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  reef-associated; depth range 5 - 132 m
 Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: East Africa to the Hawaiian and Rapa Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island. Southeast Atlantic: sometimes reaching the southeast coast of South Africa (Ref. 3141).
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Caudal fin rays 10. Strong spine on middle of dorsal ridge. Description: Characterized further by pale brown to brownish yellow with blue spots on head and numerous irregular lines on body; carapace quadrangular in cross section, large, thorn like spine in middle at median ridge on back; short, stout spine extending anteriorly from upper edge of each eye; posteriorly directed second pair of spines, one on each side of lower rear edge of carapace; 45 degree angle to horizontal axis of body formed by dorsal profile of snout; rounded caudal fin (Ref. 90102).
 Biology:  Inhabit clear outer lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 1602). Benthopelagic over rubble and sand at 5-132 m (Ref. 58302). Solitary (Ref. 90102). Males are highly territorial (Ref. 9710). Poisonous in some parts of the tropics (Ref. 7364).
 IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated  (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  venomous
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Torres, Armi G. - 15.04.93
 Modified by: Valdestamon, Roxanne Rei - 07.05.13
 Checked by: Matsuura, Keiichi - 02.10.95

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