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Scrawled cowfish

Acanthostracion quadricornis

Scrawled cowfish© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The scrawled cowfish is a small boxfish found on shallow reefs and seagrass beds in the western Atlantic and Caribbean. It is not commonly targeted by anglers and is considered inedible due to mild toxins, but its distinctive pattern makes it an interesting catch for reef anglers.

Fight
Taste
Inedible/Protected
Reports of ciguatera

Basic Information

Family

Ostraciidae

Max Size

55 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

1-80m

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

Summer (June‑August) when water temperatures are warm

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Scrawled cowfish

  • Use light spinning gear with a 6‑10 lb test line
  • Employ small soft‑plastic grubs or live shrimp as bait near structure
  • Cast and retrieve slowly to let the cowfish investigate
  • Target areas with abundant reef or seagrass where the fish hide

Top Fishing Locations for Scrawled cowfish

Islamorada, Florida Keys

USA
beginner55% Common

Shallow reef flats and wrecks host abundant Scrawled cowfish, especially during summer when plankton blooms attract their prey.

Best: June-August

Great Exuma Sound

Bahamas
beginner48% Occasional

Clear waters and extensive coral heads make this a hotspot for cowfish; frequent sightings during the warm season.

Best: May-September

Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Ambergris Caye

Belize
beginner52% Common

Protected reef lagoon teeming with reef fish; cowfish are common around the mangrove channels and seagrass beds.

Best: June-October

Westpunt Reef

Curaçao
intermediate45% Occasional

Steep reef drop-offs attract diverse reef fauna; cowfish patrol the ledges during the dry season.

Best: July-September

Klein Bonaire (South Side)

Bonaire
beginner50% Common

Secluded sand-bottom reefs with abundant sponges; cowfish are regularly encountered by local spearfishers.

Best: May-August

Culebra Island, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico
intermediate42% Occasional

Mona Passage currents bring nutrient-rich water, supporting healthy reef ecosystems where cowfish thrive.

Best: June-October

Anse Chastanet Reef

St. Lucia
intermediate38% Occasional

Lush reef terraces with abundant macroalgae provide perfect camouflage for the Scrawled cowfish.

Best: July-September

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Scrawled cowfish

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action
Line6‑10 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSmall soft‑plastic grubs, tiny jigs, or live shrimp
TechniqueCast close to reef or seagrass, retrieve slowly with occasional pauses

Best bait: Live shrimp or small crabs