ANIMAL SPECIES:Roundbelly Cowfish, Lactoria diaphana (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
As its common name suggests, the belly region of this species is rounded. It has a pair of short horns in front of the eyes. The Roundbelly Cowfish occurs in tropical and some temperate waters of the Indo-West and Central Pacific.
Alternative Name/s
The Roundbelly Cowfish has also been called the Diaphanous Box-fish, Diaphanous Cowfish, Thorny-back Cowfish, Translucent Boxfish and Transparent Boxfish.Identification
The Roundbelly Cowfish has a pair of short horns in front of the eyes, a stout spine on the back, and a pair of spines near the anal fin. As its common name suggests, the belly region of the carapace is rounded.
The species is yellowish to brown with dusky spots and blotches. Juveniles can be recognised by the almost transparent lower portion of the head and body.
Size range
The Roundbelly Cowfish grows to 30 cm in length.Distribution
It occurs in tropical and some temperate waters of the Indo-West and Central Pacific.
In Australia it is known from north-western Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country, and south to the southern coast of New South Wales.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Roundbelly Cowfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Classification
- Species:
- diaphana
- Genus:
- Lactoria
- Family:
- Ostraciidae
- Order:
- Tetraodontiformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
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A Roundbelly Cowfish at 'The Pipeline' View full size
David and Leanne Atkinson
© David and Leanne Atkinson
Roundbelly Cowfish, Lactoria diaphana View full size
David and Leanne Atkinson
© David and Leanne Atkinson
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