Fin's Fish Guide
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. Bony armour; strong difference in markings between the sexes
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. Southern Australia
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. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Shaw's cowfish edible?
The Shaw's cowfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Aracana
More from the family Aracanidae
Want the complete picture on the Shaw's cowfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shaw's cowfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.