Honeycomb cowfish

Acanthostracion polygonius

The honeycomb cowfish, "Acanthostracion polygonius", belongs to the Ostraciidae family and is closely related to boxfish and trunkfish.
Honeycomb Cowfish Sep 10, 2017. Buddy's Reef dive site, Bonaire. This is a close-up made by my husband. This unusual reef fish has an armor of heavy hexagonal scales covering much of its body, and an elongated caudal peduncle (tail stem) with rounded fins. It has a small, puckered mouth and tiny 'horns' over its eyes, with a sloped face and pronounced forehead, giving it its bovine name. https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/fish/discover/species-profiles/acanthostracion-polygonius/ Acanthostracion polygonius,Caribbean Netherlands,Geotagged,Honeycomb cowfish,Summer

Appearance

Bold pattern of hexagons outlined by narrow dark lines; centers and areas between hexagons pale (Ref. 26938). Purplish blue on sides and ventrally.
Honeycomb Cowfish at the Florida Aquarium Acanthostracion polygonius,Honeycomb cowfish

Distribution

Western Atlantic: New Jersey, USA and Bermuda to Brazil, including the Caribbean and Antilles. Absent from the Gulf of Mexico.
Honeycomb cowfish Acanthostracion polygonius,Geotagged,Honeycomb cowfish,Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,Summer

Habitat

Occurs in clear water around coral reefs.
Honeycomb Cowfish Taken in the waters off Mustique Acanthostracion polygonius,Geotagged,Honeycomb cowfish,St Vincent and the Grenadines,Summer

Food

Feeds on sponges, alcyonarians, tunicates, and shrimp.

References:

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http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Acanthostracion-polygonia.html