Buffalo Trunkfish

Lactophrys trigonus

The largest of the Trunkfish in these waters, growing to a length of just under 20 inches. They are also known as the Buffalofish. They have an obvious hump on their back.  They swim over sea grass beds, moving slowly and blending in searching mollusks, crustaceans, worms and tunicates. They are very wary and will swim off rapidly immediately upon seeing you. They are members of the boxfish family like cowfish and other trunkfish. Do not confuse this trunkfish with the Spotted Trunkfish or the Smooth Trunkfish.  The Buffalo Trunk fish has anal spines, but they do not have spines above the eyes like the other cowfish. They can change colors dramatically from pale gray to dark.