Scrawled Blue Spot Cowfish
Acanthostracion quadricornis
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Expert |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Omnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 180 gallons |
| Max Size | 18 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Scrawled Blue Spot Cowfish (Acanthostracion quadricornis) is a Western Atlantic boxfish with a rigid, “armored” body and short horn-like points above the eyes. Its pattern is typically a yellow-to-olive base covered in blue scrawls and spots, giving it a bold, graphic look as it cruises the rockwork.
What You’ll Observe:
- Slow, hovering swimming with lots of “inspection laps” around the tank
- Frequent grazing and pecking at surfaces as it searches for small bites throughout the day
- A predictable routine—often visiting the front glass when it recognizes feeding time
- Interest in caves and overhangs, using them as calm resting zones between feedings
Provide a large aquarium with open swimming room plus rockwork to explore, and keep flow comfortable so it can move without being pushed around. Offer a varied menu of meaty frozen foods along with algae-based options, delivered in smaller portions multiple times per day. It does best with calm tankmates and consistent feeding that lets it take its time at meals.
Can this cowfish be kept in a reef with corals?
Some hobbyists report success, but most treat it as “reef with caution” because it may sample polyps or go after small clean-up crew items.
Why do people recommend feeding sinking foods instead of floating foods?
Keepers commonly prefer foods that stay lower in the water column so the fish can graze and bite naturally without repeatedly striking at the surface.
Does it “learn” your schedule?
Many owners notice it starts to recognize the room’s routine and will cruise the front panel more when it expects food.
Is it normal for a cowfish to peck at rock all day?
Yes—this species is often described as a constant grazer that searches for tiny foods between feedings.
Can you keep more than one together?
Some aquarists keep pairs, but most success reports involve introducing them carefully and giving each fish plenty of personal space to cruise and feed.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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