Aracana ornata, also known as the ornate cowfish, is a species of deepwater boxfish native to southern Australia. First described by John Edward Gray in 1838, the species has a maximum length of 15 cm. These fascinating fish have several distinctive features.
- Appearance: The ornate cowfish boasts a rigid, box-like carapace composed of large sculptured bony plates. Their body is adorned with bony ridges that bear large recurved spines. The dorsal and anal fins are positioned opposite each other and far back on the body. Interestingly, they lack bony plates on the tail base. Males exhibit yellow or blue lines and spots, while females are plain with orange-brown stripes.
- Aquarium Trade: Although rarely kept as pets by aquarium hobbyists, these fish have a unique defense mechanism. When stressed, they can release ostracitoxin from their skin.
The ornate cowfish remains a captivating and enigmatic inhabitant of the ocean depths.
