Aracana ornata

(Gray, 1838)

Vernacular names
English : Ornate cowfish
French : Poisson-vache orné

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Tetraodontiformes
Family : Aracanidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 15 cm in length. Rounded belly, flattish back with three sets of horns and humped nose. Coloration yellow, becoming brown on belly with dark-edged blue spots, becoming lines on face, belly and tail peduncle.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the south-east Indian Ocean, south of Australia, from Western Australia to Tasmania and western Victoria. Found on the continental shelf, around rocky shores, estuaries.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is still locally common but can be vulnerable to disturbance from humane activities.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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