Aracana aurita

(Ref, ?)

Habitat: Shelterd and moderately exposed reef, seagrass; 0 – 200 m depth

Distribution:  WA to NSW and around Tasmania

Maximum Size: Length to 250 mm

Diet: Small invertebrates, seaweed. Feeds by blowing water at sediments and feeding on what is dislodged.

As you can see from the pictures, the male and female cowfish vary greatly in colour. The male (top) is blue and yellow, whilst the female is a duller brown and white. As with wrasse, cowfish juveniles join a female harem. There is a dominant female, however all are under the control of a single male. If the male disappears, the dominant female will change sex and become the dominant male.