Longhorn cowfish

[Srt4eric]

Awesome fish. Had him for about 6 months now. Great personality. He doesnt nip at any coral but if a snail finds itself upside down, consider it cowfish food.

 

[gmdcdvm]

Damn, this is tempting. Have always wanted one, but I worry about them nuking at tank. I have read mixed reviews on the likelihood of this happening.

 

[Srt4eric]

Damn, this is tempting. Have always wanted one, but I worry about them nuking at tank. I have read mixed reviews on the likelihood of this happening.

I was worried about that at first too. After seeing this guy's personality and calm demeanor I'm not worried at all about him stressing out and killing everyone.

 

[MolaMola]

I love this fish since I saw them years ago and considered setting up a tank based on it. The full face view is awesome! Will be following your updates on this guy.

 

[Krustykrab]

How big is he?

 

[BleepBloopMunchMunch]

Would be interested in this one! Just realized though it sounds like they get huge and my rank isn’t big enough for that!

 

[Darkxerox]

Would be interested in this one! Just realized though it sounds like they get huge and my rank isn’t big enough for that!

I think your 73 gal is going to be way too small unless you've upgraded. 250+ is what these fish need, they get huge.

 

[Srt4eric]

How big is he?

The algae scrapper is 4"x2"

 

[Alexander1312]

Other than the massive future size, the release of toxins not only when they are stressed but also when they die nuking the tank is not a concern? Specifically since any fish might die suddenly?

Similar to puffers, looks like a super cute fish but way too much risk and future problems for my appetite, and I understand why I am not seeing them often in tanks.

 

[Srt4eric]

Other than the massive future size, the release of toxins not only when they are stressed but also when they die nuking the tank is not a concern?

Yolo

 

[MichaelB]

If my 210 was running I'd give him a shot. I seen him in person a very cool looking fish. I got bulkheads in the otherday to seal the bottom holes of the tank and the ones for the return holes on the back. So getting a little closer to being ready to try getting it going.

 

[nly04]

Tempted.

 

[dochou]

I'd love to give him a new home. Is he still available? I can come pick it up any time.
Please let me know. Thank you.

 

[Srt4eric]

Still available

 

[Kensington Reefer]

Has it continued to be a model citizen?

 

[PjFish]

Well if getting stuck getting a big hicky didn’t make him nuke not sure what will.. A dead cow can’t release chemicals..Maybe if he gets bit a few times as a defense.. Ive only read one time of a cow nuking a tank. Wonder if any wholesalers or BAR members have experienced death by cowfish?

 

[Alexander1312]

Well if getting stuck getting a big hicky didn’t make him nuke not sure what will.. A dead cow can’t release chemicals..Maybe if he gets bit a few times as a defense.. Ive only read one time of a cow nuking a tank. Wonder if any wholesalers or BAR members have experienced death by cowfish?

I wonder if we would still be BAR members if we did.

 

[MichaelB]

I've been doing research on this fish type.

I read that they can possibly eat smaller fish? I have maroons not yet 2.5 inches and 3/4 inch banghi cardinals. I know his isn't anywhere near max size nor are the fish I have.

Would him eating the fish I have be a serious concern I should have or is it more of a risk when they are near full size?

Also I see tank size recommend at 250 gallons, mine is 210 another potential concern ?

I doubt there are many 200 gallon tanks even less 250 gallons or larger systems in our club.

 

[PjFish]

@MichaelB
Have you come across any nuking report incidents?

 

[MichaelB]

@MichaelB
Have you come across any nuking report incidents?

Not many but seems more people say that if it dies it's unlikely to release toxins. Open power heads seem to be a concern happen with @Srt4eric I recall. I will just use nem guards on mine to reduce the risk.

Most useful videos about them are over 15 years ago. The more recent ones feature idiots with 1 inch ones in tiny tanks lol. I don't even bother looking at those.

Seems agressive fish are the main threat something bullying them. I will likely give it a shoot being this would by fair be my biggest fish so far, I don't see any potential for bullying at present. If I add more fish later this guy will already be somewhat established not being the new guy.

Proper filtration also seemed to be a important recommendation as these are messy like puffers. Recently got a rsk 900 that should be up to the task on top of running filter socks.

I will get this fish unless someone says some legitimate reason I shouldn't lol. I saw it in person a 2 months ago very cool and stunning fish.