The body plan of the honeycomb cowfish is unique
This unique looking fish gets its name from the honeycomb pattern that covers its body, as well as its horns! The photo below showcases the hexagonal honeycomb pattern which is used for camouflage. If you notice in the main gallery image, the face of the honeycomb cowfish is covered in scrawled lines, which acts as additional camouflage.
The body plan of the honeycomb cowfish is unique, especially when you are looking at it head-on. These fish are not laterally compressed, like many fish. Instead honeycomb cowfish have a flat bottom with sides that slope upward to the top. They do not have pelvic fins, however they do have pectoral fins. They have a large fanlike tail. The dorsal fin of the honeycomb cowfish is short and located towards the rear of its body. It has an anal fin with two sharp spines near it. Additionally, there are forward pointing spines (horns) just above the eyes (this is how you can determine if it is a cowfish or a trunkfish, as trunkfish don’t have these horns). In the gallery image, the horns are pointing right at you. If you look closely, you can see the white tips of the horns, right between the eyes.
These fish will grow to a maximum of 18 inches long. They tend to be found in waters less than 80 feet deep. As a diver, you encounter these fish swimming overtop of the reefs as well as throughout seagrass beds. Sometimes honeycomb cowfish sit motionless on the seafloor, utilizing their camouflage abilities to blend into the background. These fish are also able to change their color to blend in with the surroundings!
These fish are occasionally seen in the Florida Keys, where I took this photograph. They tend to be wary of divers. To get a close look, I like to act like I’m not interested. I’ll swim slightly up current and slowly drift into their area. I tend to keep myself a few feet away and I try to stay below them.
These fish are also able to change their color
Did you know?
- Honeycomb cowfish feed during the day. They eat small invertebrates such as shrimp. Additionally, they will eat worms, tunicates, sponges, and algae.
- The honeycomb-shaped boney scales are a means of protection for this fish.
- Aside from its spines, this fish has another defense mechanism. It can release a poisonous toxin from its skin when threatened, stressed, or dying. This toxin can be fatal to other fish in the vicinity.
- Honeycomb cowfish can be different shades of yellow, blue, and green.
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