Shaw’s (Striped) Cowfish

Shaw’s (Striped) Cowfish (Aracana aurita)

Shaw’s (Striped) Cowfish features 10 or 11 soft rays in both the dorsal and anal fins, while its pectoral and caudal fins each have 11 or 12 soft rays. The fish is protected by a sturdy, box-like carapace made of sculpted bony plates, which are adorned with large, recurved spines along their ridges. The dorsal and anal fins are positioned far back on the body and are aligned opposite each other. While the bony plates on the caudal peduncle are less developed than those of the carapace, they nearly form a complete band in adult specimens. The lines on the snout are nearly horizontal. There is notable sexual dimorphism in coloration: males display bright hues with light blue wavy lines and spots set against an orange background, whereas females and juveniles are light orange to light brown, marked with irregular brown and white sinuous lines or stripes. This species can reach a maximum total length of 20 cm (7.9 in).