About Acanthostracion polygonius Poey, 1876
The honeycomb cowfish, Acanthostracion polygonius, has armor-like hexagonal scales covering most of its body. It gets its name from its distinctive honeycomb-like body pattern and prominent "horns"; this pattern helps the fish blend into surrounding coral reefs. Most individuals are blue, but they may also appear yellow, gray, or green. Juveniles are typically more colorful than adult fish. This species lacks pelvic fins, and has a rounded caudal fin. Several of the honeycomb cowfish's modified bony scales form its "horns", which act as a protective feature. It can be told apart from similar fish by the two spines above its eyes and its characteristic hexagonal body pattern. Compared to other boxfish, the honeycomb cowfish has a smaller protruding mouth and fleshy lips. Its maximum recorded body length is 50 centimeters, while the average length is 25 centimeters. This species is distributed across the western Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and waters adjacent to Brazil. It is absent from most of the Gulf of Mexico, but has established populations around Florida. The honeycomb cowfish inhabits warm, clear waters near coral reefs, seagrass beds, and in estuaries. It is an uncommon and cautious species. Honeycomb cowfish are valued as food fish, sold fresh and highly prized in the Caribbean where the species is abundant. There have been multiple reported cases of ciguatera poisoning linked to consuming this fish. It is also commercially sold for use as an aquarium fish.
