Acanthostracion guineense
Smallest member of the genus Acanthostracion, found off West Africa.
The West African cowfish (*Acanthostracion guineense*) is a marine ray-finned fish in the boxfish family Ostraciidae. It is the smallest species within the genus *Acanthostracion*.
Dutch physician and herpetologist Pieter Bleeker first formally described it in 1865, naming it *Ostracion guineense* and giving its type locality as "Guinea." The genus name *Acanthostracion* combines *acanthus* (meaning "spine" or "thorn") with *ostracion*; Bleeker originally proposed it as a subgenus of *Ostracion*. The specific name *guineense* means "of Guinea," and is sometimes written as *guineensis*, but *guineense* is correct because the genus is neuter.
This species reaches a maximum total length of 18 cm (7.1 in). It occurs in the eastern Atlantic Ocean along the coast of Western Africa, from Mauritania to Angola, on the continental shelf at depths between 0 and 200 m (0 and 656 ft).
The IUCN classifies *Acanthostracion guineense* as data deficient. While it is common in parts of its range, very little information exists on its population, life history, or ecology.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Acanthostracion guineense
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Acanthostracion guineense was first formally described as Ostracion guineense in 1865 by the Dutch physician, herpetologist and ichthyologist Pieter Bleeker, with its type locality given as 'Guinea'. The 5th edition of Fishes of the World classifies the genus Acanthostracion within the family Ostraciidae in the suborder Ostracioidea within the order Tetraodontiformes.
The etymology of the genus name Acanthostracion combines acanthus, meaning 'spine' or 'thorn', with ostracion. Bleeker originally proposed this taxon as a subgenus of the genus Ostracion. The specific name guineense means 'of Guinea'; it is sometimes written as guineensis but the genus name is neuter so guineense is correct.
This species occurs at depths between 0 and 200 m on the continental shelf. It is classified as data deficient by the IUCN; it is common in some parts of its range but there is very little data on population, life history or ecology.
Reader's Guide
Acanthostracion guineense, the West African cowfish, holds significance as the smallest member of its genus, Acanthostracion, within the boxfish family Ostraciidae. Its description by the notable ichthyologist Pieter Bleeker in 1865, originally under the genus Ostracion, places it within a well-established taxonomic lineage. The species' distribution along the coast of Western Africa from Mauritania to Angola, and its occurrence on the continental shelf at depths up to 200 meters, define its ecological niche. Despite being common in parts of its range, the IUCN classifies it as data deficient due to a lack of data on population, life history, and ecology, highlighting a gap in scientific knowledge. Its maximum recorded total length of 18 cm provides a key physical benchmark. The etymology of its name, referencing spines and Guinea, reflects both morphological and geographic characteristics. The species' legacy is thus tied to its taxonomic history, its status as a small representative of the boxfishes, and the need for further research to understand its biology and conservation needs.
Did You Know?
- Acanthostracion guineense is the smallest member of the genus Acanthostracion.
- It was first formally described in 1865 by Dutch physician and ichthyologist Pieter Bleeker.
- Its maximum published total length is 18 cm (7.1 in).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Acanthostracion guineense?
It is a small marine boxfish in the family Ostraciidae, commonly known as the West African cowfish. It holds the distinction of being the tiniest species within the genus Acanthostracion.
How large does Acanthostracion guineense grow?
This boxfish reaches a maximum total length of roughly 18 cm (about 7.1 inches), making it notably compact compared to its larger congeners in the same genus.
Where does Acanthostracion guineense live?
It inhabits the eastern Atlantic Ocean along the West African coast, stretching from Mauritania down to Angola. It can be encountered at depths from the surface all the way down to 200 meters.
Who first described Acanthostracion guineense and what does the name mean?
Dutch physician Pieter Bleeker formally described the species in 1865, originally placing it under the genus Ostracion with the type locality listed as Guinea. The specific name guineense simply means 'of Guinea,' while the genus name Acanthostracion blends the Greek word for 'spine' with ostracion.
What is the conservation status of Acanthostracion guineense?
The IUCN currently lists this species as Data Deficient, meaning there is not enough reliable information to assess its population trends or threat level. More field research along the West African coast would be needed to clarify its long-term outlook.
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