What type of puffer do I have? Longhorn?

[jacklyn]

I am sure this is a stupid question but I just started a salt water tank a couple of weeks ago. This site is really great I just joined

I just got a puffer and I searched online but couldn't find out which one he is. He or she kinda looks like a longhorned cow puffer except he has no horns yet. (do they grow as they get older) He is yellow, about 1 inch and is cow shaped with a flat bottom, shaped sorta like a trapazoid and a tail that he uses just like a rudder. He moves like a submarine. He is soooo cute. I need to get a digital camera to capture his true cuteness!!!

thanks in advance for any help

 

[reefrunner69]

Sounds like a helmet (Ostracion cubicus )
http://www.livingreefimages.com/Page43.html

 

[triggers]

Cowfish and Pufferfish are two different types of fish. Imo, it sounds like a Thornback Cowfish (lactoria fornasini). The horns will not grow to the lengths of the Longhorn Cowfish, but they are still an awesome fish.

Hope this helps.

 

[reefrunner69]

Cowfish are members of the puffer family

 

[triggers]

Not to get off the subject about the cowfish, but all actuallity not all biologist consider the two relatives.

Family Ostraciidae- trunkfish, cowfish (some call the cowfish a puffer that doesn't blow up) What makes them different is the cowfish are encased in a hard dermal shell and can release deadly toxins when threatened.

Family Tetraodontidae- puffers (that blow up) puffers are smooth and some have small prickles.

Subfamily Canthigastinae- sharpnose puffers

I guess what it really boils down to is who you talk to. Either way, they are both very unique and beautiful creatures.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[jacklyn]

thanks for the updates !!!

I found out I do have a long longhorned cowfish. Anyway I am sorry to report that he passed away because of a battle of ICH. He had ICH when I bought him; I thought that was the way he should look because ICH looks a little different in fresh water fish. Anyway I am going to wait a month before I add any more fish. My clown fish got it to (orange striped with white) I forgot what he was called. The clown fish died almost overnight and he was eating the night before so I thought I had more time then I did.








Anyway sorry to report


thanks for all your help


jackie

 

[reefrunner69]

I'm sorry for your loss. During your month wait for your main tank, now would be a great time to set up a >>quarantine tank<<. This will make it easier to keep parasites and disease out of the display aquarium and give you a safe place to treat for disease.