Any experience with a Longhorn Cowfish?

[Edward Smith]

I have a semi-aggressive aquarium with some pretty competitive eaters. I hear they are slow feeding fish. The one that I'm looking at, is pretty good in size (about 6" including the tail) and eating very well. I'm afraid he won't compete for food.

Thoughts? Experiences?

Thanks,

 

[Avi]

I've had them and they aren't as shy as their reputation may suggest. So long as you do put enough food in the tank for them to be able to get to, they will get to it and take enough. Just bear in mind that they are very susceptible to parasites so make sure you get a good specimen that is eating well and if you can, quarantine it for at least 8 to 10-weeks.

 

[hansnfrans]

Mine were pigs. Always darting after the food and always hungry. Be aware that they may spit water out of the tank at you in order to get your attention to feed them. Mine could shoot water a foot out of the tank sometimes.

 

[Pufferpunk]

Wont stay 6". They grow to about 18". If he gets stressed, forget about every living thing in that tank.

 

[Edward Smith]

Wont stay 6". They grow to about 18". If he gets stressed, forget about every living thing in that tank.

Yea... that's why I ultimately decided to skip it. I have the tank size but really don't want to devote that much bioload to this one particular fish.

Thanks all

 

[hansnfrans]

Ed- regarding the ostracitoxin, I've killed two with poor water conditions (this was years ago before I knew what I was doing, or that a 4" cowfish doesn't belong in a 46gal bowfront tank). Neither time did they decide to suicide-bomb my tank. But that's just my experience and maybe I got "lucky"...

 

[Pufferpunk]

I agree--it doesn't ALWAYS happen--but it definitely can!