Home > Fishes > Boxfishes > Lactoria fornasini

Updated 8/15/2014

Family Ostraciidae

INDO-WEST PACIFIC

Lactoria fornasini

Cargo Pier, Midway Atoll, 30 feet

 

Yawatano, Izu, Japan, 30 feet

Lana'i Lookout, Oahu, 30 feet

 



Juvenile, Haleiwa Trench, Oahu, 80 feet



Sand Island, Oahu, 12 feet



Juvenile with copepods

 THORNBACK COWFISH        makukana

Uncommon and well-hidden among sandy rubble and seaweed at any depth except in Japan where it is common.  Gray or dull brown with dark scale margins and obscure blotches, iridescent bright blue spots that may be displayed at will, prominent spines, and a nearly flat belly.  Attains 3.5 inches.  East Africa to Japan and French Polynesia, including Hawai'i.