Specific cowfish identification

Posted September 4th, 2011 by Lee Norton

I'm fairly sure it is a cowfish, but can't pin it down exactly. Photo from Roatan reef at First Bight.

Sorry about the link instead of photo. Couldn't figure out how to upload it.

http://www.vrbo.com/global/siteFrame.aspx?l=40629&k=1

Honeycomb Cowfish

Submitted by Louis on Sun, 09/04/2011 - 09:07.

Assuming you're talking about this photo: http://www.vrbo.com/global/siteFrame.aspx?l=40629&k=1

You are right, it's cowfish. (Trunkfish are similar but lack the spines above the eyes.) It's a Honeycomb Cowfish, Acanthostracion polygonius. Look for the polygonal "honeycomb" pattern to confirm ID.

Thank you

Submitted by Lee Norton on Sun, 09/04/2011 - 12:52.

I really appreciate the prompt reply and the accurate identification.

Nitpicking

Submitted by MartinDick on Mon, 09/05/2011 - 08:34.

Louis already told you it is a honeycomb cowfish. Louis is awesome. You might want to add an "e" to tunicate. You have a photo labeled starfish. We now try to say sea star, because it is not a fish. But, in your case, I believe it is a basket star, and should be so labeled.