ANIMAL SPECIES:Dusky Morwong, Dactylophora nigricans (Richardson, 1850)
The Dusky Morwong can be recognised by its colouration. Adults are greyish to brownish grey above and whitish below. Immature fish are silvery with rows of orangish spots on the sides of the body. There are dark spots on the dorsal and caudal fins. Juveniles are deeper bodied. They are silvery with dark bands on the upper sides that extend through the dorsal fin.
Alternative Name/s
The species has also been called Black Butterfish, Butter Perch, Butterfish, Nunckla, Nunda, Strongfish, and Tillywurti.Identification
The Dusky Morwong can be recognised by its colouration. Adults are greyish to brownish grey above and whitish below. Immature fish are silvery with rows of orangish spots on the sides of the body. There are dark spots on the dorsal and caudal fins. Juveniles are deeper bodied. They are silvery with dark bands on the upper sides that extend through the dorsal fin.
Size range
It grows to 1.2 m in length.Distribution
The Dusky Morwong is endemic to Australia. It has been recorded in the literature from the central coast of Victoria to south-western Western Australia. The species also occurs in New South Wales.
Habitat
The species occurs on inshore rocky reefs. Larvae are usually found in seagrass beds.
Classification
- Species:
- nigricans
- Genus:
- Dactylophora
- Family:
- Cheilodactylidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter R.H. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
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A Dusky Morwong at Jervis Bay, New South Wales View full size
Peter Lees
© Peter Lees
A Dusky Morwong at Rapid Bay Jetty View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Dusky Morwong, Dactylophora nigricans View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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