question bout fish
 

is it a bad idea to add a cowfish to a SH tank ? i think it would be...

thanks

I've never had a cowfish but understand they are often aggressive. I suspect even a young (small) one can nip a sh hard enough to invite infection. Also, don't they emit toxins into the water if they die?

Way too risky imo.

there seems to be a bunch of false info about the cowfish.. ppl say that there toxins are not enough to be harmfull and others say they are, then ppl say there none agressive slow friendly fish, and others say the opposite..its really confusing!..:/

one of the ppl that i set up a tank for bought one after i told them it was a bad idea, they ended up killing it along with a bunch of other fish.. but it was really friendly and cool it would jump out of the water a bit to get your attention and follow you.. this was my main reason for wanting one!, i think i'll have to decide bettween the horses or the cowfish.

anyone else have any thoughts?

I would not mix the two IMO.

I agree, don't mix. BTW, cowfish only emit toxin if they are dying - a healthy one will not poison a tank.

good site for cowfish information is [url]www.cowfishes.com[/url]

thanks every one, i have decided to put them together an give it a shot!


just kidding...:)

I kept a 1 inch Long Horned Cowfish in a holding tank with 2 small seahorses for 2 months and they got along fine. I think the problem with them is they get so huge - Long Horn's get to 46cm, they are voracious eaters and judging from the little guy I kept behaviour I wouldn't be surprised if they became interested in the seahorses once large enough. I believe the poisonous factor is only exhibited in the presence of other cowfish, but that's just what I've read, can't say from experience. You won't find many occurrences of cowfish poisoning people's tanks in any case, just lots of resources that say that.

Here's some info I found:

"Surprisingly, seahorses are not a compatible tank mate for cowfish and boxfish. Seahorses have a highly specialized food requirement, and will have a difficult time getting their share of foods. Not only are cowfish quicker at nabbing food, they are more aggressive. They can even be intimidating, preventing the seahorses from seeking out food. Cowfish will also nip and pick at seahorses. Seahorses naturally grow a layer of algae upon their skin. Cowfish are attracted to the algae and the unusual locomotion of seahorses. They respond by nibbling on the seahorses, trying to determine if seahorses are a good food item."
[url=http://www.cowfishes.com/cowfishinaquaria.html]Cowfish In Aquaria[/URL]

I also found this article:
[url=http://www.cowfishes.com/cowhorse.html]No Horsing Around Cowfish[/URL]

thanks very helpfull! let me know how it turns out.
btw can you help here? thanks [url]http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1281396[/url]

[QUOTE]let me know how it turns out...
btw can you help here?[/QUOTE]

It was only a temporary arrangement and I don't have the cowfish anymore.

As for diving sites, I've only ever been to Brisbane and the Gold Coast and have never gone diving there, sorry I can't help.

thanks anyways

[QUOTE][i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11513729#post11513729 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MAthU [/i]
[B]thanks anyways [/B][/QUOTE]

No worries, you will enjoy Queensland, it is a tropical zone teeming with wildlife - geckos and fruit bats can be heard at night, water dragons and green tree frogs are commonly seen at day time about the place, which is something I have never seen here in Melb. The best 'hands on' zoo is Currumbin Sanctuary on the Gold Coast - if you get a chance to go there (its 2hrs drive from Brisbane) it is worth the trip - you get to cuddle a koala and hold baby crocs amongst other things. The night tour is excellent - you will see the cane toad 'plague' that emerges at night, get to feed and pat possums, see the croc enclosure with their 5m female sleeping suspended in the water lit from beneath (it is an awesome sight) and see Australian owls and tawny frogmouths up close.

Good luck and hope you have a great time. Sorry for getting off topic!

wow sounds cool, yea i think im going to vist the zoo, i just couldnt find the info about it. now that i know it sounds like it will be fun. thanks for all the help!