Shaw's Cowfish

Aracana aurita

Sea Life Endemic IUCN: Least Concern

About

A robust body, encased in a rigid box-like carapace with stout spines above each eye, along back and on lower sides; dorsal and anal fins opposite and far back on the body, pelvic fins absent. Males brightly-coloured with pale blue wavy lines and spots over an orange background, blue lines fanning out over tail. Females and juveniles pale orange to brown with irregular brown and white wavy lines and stripes.

Size

Can grow up to around 20cm

Habitat

Rocky reefs in coastal areas and sea grass in bay areas, to depth of 160 m

Distribution

Widespread in the southern half of Australia, from Newcastle, New South Wales, to Kalbarri, Western Australia, including Tasmania

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (3)
  1. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
  2. Bray, D.J. 2018, Aracana aurita in Fishes of Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
  3. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020 (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Header image: (CC BY-NC 4.0) © acanthaster

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.