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3 Fish With Horns

Longhorn cowfish.
steffstarr/unlimphotos.com

Are you familiar with fish that have horns? These unique aquatic creatures are a wonder to behold and have captured the attention of marine enthusiasts and scientists alike. Fish with horns are found in various parts of the world and come in different shapes and sizes.

Longhorn Cowfish

Longhorned cowfish.
anderm/unlimphotos.com

This species of boxfish is immediately recognizable by its long horns that protrude from the front of its head, giving it a distinctive look that resembles a bull’s.

Longhorn Cowfish are residents of the Indo-Pacific region and can grow up to 50 cm (20 in) long. They are typically found in shallow waters, where they feed on a diet of small crustaceans, molluscs, and algae.

One of the most interesting things about Longhorn Cowfish is their ability to inflate their bodies with water, which makes them look like spiky balloons. They do this as a defence mechanism against predators, which have a hard time trying to eat them when they are inflated.

Bluespine Unicornfish

Bluespine unicornfish.
vintrom/unlimphotos.com

The bluespine unicornfish is named after the bony horn that protrudes from its head in front of its eyes. The horn is more prominent in adults and can grow up to 12 cm long.

These fish have leather-like skin instead of scales, which makes them unique among other fish. The Bluespine Unicornfish is found in the Indo-Pacific region and can grow up to 70 cm long.

Horned Blenny

Sylke Rohrlach from Sydney, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The horned blenny is known for its distinctive appearance, with two horns protruding from its head that resemble tree branches. They originate from the Caribbean Ocean and have a mottled tan body with darker spots adorning their body and fins.