Thornback Cowfish (species: Lactoria fornasini) in Sydney Marine Life (Gaia Guide)
Sydney Marine Life > Actinopterygii > Tetraodontiformes > Lactoria fornasini (gallery)
Lactoria fornasini
Thornback Cowfish


©Robert J. Koch: Thornback Cowfish (Lactoria fornasini)

©Dennis Polack: Thornback Cowfish (Lactoria fornasini)

©Sally Polack: Thornback Cowfish (Lactoria fornasini)

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Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Tetraodontiformes
Family Ostraciidae
Genus Lactoria
Species Lactoria fornasini

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Colours

                                  

Distinguishing features

It is covered with hard bony armour. There is a pair of large spines projecting forward in front of the eyes. Another pair of spines projects posteriorly below the caudal fin from the rear of the ventro-lateral ridges. A single spine is positioned dorsally. (Tony Shih)

Size

  • Up to 23 cm (Total Length)

Depth range

  • From 5 m to 132 m - applies to Normally above 30m.

Synonyms

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

Inhabit clear outer lagoon and seaward reefs. Benthopelagic over rubble and sand (FishBase).

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