Rough Cowfish [Notesthes brodiei]
Description
The Rough Cowfish is a species of boxfish native to the coastal waters of New Zealand and southeastern Australia. It inhabits rocky reefs and seagrass beds at depths from 5 to 50 meters. This species can reach a length of up to 30 cm. The Rough Cowfish has a distinctive box-like shape with a more pronounced 'snout' compared to other cowfish. Its color varies from green to brown with lighter underparts. One of its distinguishing features is the honeycomb pattern that covers its body. As with other cowfish, it can release a toxin when threatened.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Fish
Actinopterygii
|
| Order |
Scorpionfishes and Flatheads
Scorpaeniformes
|
| Family |
Waspfishes
Tetrarogidae
|
| Genus |
Notesthes
Notesthes
|