The Shaw's cowfish (Aracana aurita) is a saltwater fish of the family Aracanidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
Shaw's cowfish is a boxfish from the eastern Indian Ocean, occurring along southern Australia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an angular body in a bony carapace; males are strikingly marked with yellow and blue lines, females have a more banded pattern. It lives on rocky reefs and the deeper coastal shelf between about 10 and 200 metres depth and eats small bottom invertebrates. Because of its rigid carapace it swims slowly with sculling fins. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Shaw's cowfish?
The Shaw's cowfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a marbled pattern.
Where does the Shaw's cowfish live?
The Shaw's cowfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Shaw's cowfish get?
The Shaw's cowfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Shaw's cowfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Shaw's cowfish is harmless to humans.
Is the Shaw's cowfish edible?
The Shaw's cowfish is not usually eaten.
Download Fin's Fish Guide
Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Aracana
More from the family Aracanidae
Download Fin's Fish Guide
Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.