Hovercraft Fish

[bulletsworld]

Originally Posted by Chaloupa

Hey all-anyone have any information on "Hovercraft fish"? I just want care etc of them...I know they are a boxfish...but that is all I know...any help would be appreciated.

Hi Chaloupa,

WoOHOOO! You are inquiring about my favourite fish. It’s known to have the name, Humpback Boxfish, Camelback Cowfish, Thornback cowfish, Hovercraft but most known as the "Helmet Cowfish" called so many names, hey. The species name is Tetrasomus gibbosus for more detailed info on your search. The cowfish site is a great place for info.

Also here is a current thread on this topic about cowfish. Also goes into great detail what tank conditions they need & the much debated issue with cowfish and why more people don't house them. Check it out. http://www.canreef.com/phpBB2/viewto...=17431&start=0

These fish are truly amazing to keep. I currently have a baby one in my reef tank, that is quite the character. I did have another I had for almost two years before I lost it to parasite outbreak of Velvet. But there are just wonderful, personable fish to keep. That will come to the glass and stare back at you as to say, “Yes, and you want?” or their so curious to know what you’re doing… Like all the other fish will scatter in hiding when I go to aquascape (rearrange rocks) but nope, this Helmet cowfish must know what your doing, will circle around your arm, look down to see what your grabbing. Also you will be fascinated to see if you were to drip a droplet of water on the glass front and it runs down, you will be amazed to see this fish watch the drop run down and even follow it down as it drops. Very cool to see them do this, but it’s just a great example of how in tune this fish is to its surroundings. Once it gets used to you of course. It take’s a little bit for the Helmet to gain your trust but if you don’t move fast around it, target feed it from the other fish so it doesn’t fight for food, its your buddy in no time. Not to mention not to may of these fish come in the trade that often for sale so when someone comes over to my place, the first thing they say is usually, "What kinda fish is that!"

Key to getting the cowfish is the right tank conditions (no heavy flow, their no good swimmers), right tank mates that won't harass this fish & also to be careful to pick a healthy Helmet as they are prone to be the first to get Ick or other parasite infections only if exposed and because they are scaleless fish (a hard shell - no scales) they are limited to treatment options & very sensitive to treatments.


If you have any questions...fire away I would be happy to answer them.