Aracana ornata – Ornate Cowfish

Aracana ornata – Ornate Cowfish

Aracana ornata is a relatively small species of boxfish. They grow to a maximum of about 15 centimeters in length.

Origin

You can find Aracana ornata along the southern coast of Australia. They usually live there at depths of five to 60 meters. However, they are usually found in shallow water up to 20 meters deep.

Diet

This species is not reef safe. They eat coral and sharpen their teeth on it. You can feed them with shrimps, crabs, starfish, sea urchins, fish and eventually other frozen foods.

The Aquarium

Aracana ornata needs an aquarium of at least 800 liters, preferably a little more if they are kept as a couple. As mentioned, they are not reef safe, so do not keep them in an aquarium with coral. They are quite slow swimmers so limit the current.

Although this species is somewhat territorial, they generally leave other species alone.

Pay attention!

Aracana ornata belongs to the boxfish. When they die or when they feel seriously threatened, they can release a toxin. This can kill other fish.

Video

Author

John de Lange

Copyright images

John Turnbull – CC BY – NC-SA 2.0