Common name: Striped cowfish

General information

The Shaw's Cowfish, Aracana aurita, is a distinctive and charismatic species known for its unique box-shaped body and long horns protruding from the front of its head. This species is a member of the boxfish family, Ostraciidae, and is appreciated in the aquarium trade for its peculiar appearance and interesting behaviors.

Shaw's Cowfish exhibit a variety of colors, typically a yellowish base with blue spots and lines. They are capable of changing color to some extent, especially when stressed or attempting to blend into their surroundings.

Care

Shaw's Cowfish require a spacious tank with plenty of room to swim and stable water conditions. They are not recommended for beginners due to their sensitivity to water quality and their potential to release toxins when stressed or if they perish in the aquarium. These toxins can harm or kill other tank inhabitants.

A varied diet is crucial for their health, including meaty foods like shrimp, squid, and clams, as well as some vegetable matter. It's important to feed them small amounts multiple times a day to prevent overeating, which can lead to digestive issues.

Reproduction

In the wild, Shaw's Cowfish are solitary creatures and come together only to breed. Breeding in captivity is rare, and there is limited information on their reproductive habits in home aquariums.

Habitat

Shaw's Cowfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa, across to southern Japan and south to Australia. They inhabit a range of environments from protected coastal waters to reef areas, often at depths of 1 to 50 meters.

Their natural habitat includes areas with sandy bottoms and seagrass beds, where they can forage for food and hide from predators. In the aquarium, providing a similar environment with live rock for hiding and grazing will help mimic their natural conditions.