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Unread 10/16/2011, 09:34 AM   #13
rssjsb
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Bay Area, CA
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From what I've read here and elsewhere, the longhorn cowfish appears to present less risk than other boxfish. That is not to say that it poses no risk, and I've also read accounts of a dead cowfish causing a die-off of other fish.

I believe that the ostracions (including the meleagris that the OP asked about) are supposed to be worse. I lost a male solorensis in a 40 gallon with no issue.

IMO, the main reason to avoid these fish is that they've got a pretty bad survival rate in captivity. I love my boxfish, but have lost both males I got for her - one in QT, one in the display (with no negative impact on the other fish in the 40 gal). I won't be trying that again.

As to the toxicity, I believe the reports I read and think others should take them seriously as well. It's a significant risk. Not necessarily because it's guaranteed to happen, but because of the seriousness of the consequences if it does.


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