Chapín | Scrawled Cowfish
Scientific Name: Lactophrys bicaudalis
Common Names: Scrawled Cowfish, Scrawled Trunkfish, Spotted Trunkfish, Four-horned Cowfish
Description: The Scrawled Cowfish (Lactophrys bicaudalis) is a species of boxfish belonging to the family Ostraciidae. It is characterized by a box-like body covered in hexagonal plates and a pair of large, forward-facing "horns" above its eyes. The coloration can vary from pale yellow to brown, and it often has intricate patterns of lines and spots, hence the name "scrawled." Distribution: This fish species is found in the warm waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the southeastern United States to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.
Habitat: Scrawled Cowfish inhabit coral reefs, rocky areas, and seagrass beds, typically at depths ranging from 3 to 30 meters (10 to 100 feet).
Behavior: These fish are generally slow swimmers and are well-equipped to protect themselves from predators by using their rigid carapace as a defense mechanism. When threatened, they can rapidly ingest water and expand their bodies to deter potential threats.
Diet: Scrawled Cowfish are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates, algae, and zooplankton.
Reproduction: Not much is known about the specific reproductive behavior of Scrawled Cowfish in the wild.
Conservation Status: The conservation status of Scrawled Cowfish is currently not assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, like many marine species, they may face threats from habitat degradation and pollution.