ANIMAL SPECIES:Golden Weedfish, Cristiceps aurantiacus (Castelnau, 1879)
The Golden Weedfish usually occurs in areas of seaweed. Its behaviour and colouration make the species hard to observe.
Identification
The Golden Weedfish has a tall first dorsal fin that originates in front of both the eye and the supraorbital tentacle. The second dorsal fin has a long base. There is often a gap between the second last and third last dorsal fin rays.
The colouration of this species can vary from brown to yellow or orange, sometimes with touches of pink. Juveniles are paler and may have faint bars.
Three species of Cristiceps are recorded from Australia. The Crested Weedfish has a lower first dorsal fin that originates over the eye (not in front of it) and behind the supraorbital tentacle. The Silver-sided Weedfish, Cristiceps argyropleura has a triangular first dorsal fin that is attached to the second dorsal fin by a membrane.
Size range
The Golden Weedfish grows to 18 cm in length.Distribution
The species is known from the southern coast of Queensland to Bass Strait and around the south-western coast of Western Australia.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Golden Weedfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
It lives among kelp on rocky reefs.
Classification
- Species:
- aurantiacus
- Genus:
- Cristiceps
- Family:
- Clinidae
- 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. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
- Springer, V.G. in Paxton, J.R. & W.N. Eschmeyer (Eds). 1994. Encyclopedia of Fishes. Sydney: New South Wales University Press; San Diego: Academic Press [1995]. Pp. 240.
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Golden Weedfish, Cristiceps aurantiacus View full size
Melissa Fiene
© Melissa Fiene
A Golden Weedfish at North Bondi View full size
Phillip Hawley
© Phillip Hawley
A dorsal view of a Golden Weedfish at North Bondi View full size
Phillip Hawley
© Phillip Hawley
A Golden Weedfish found at Lord Howe Island View full size
Geoff Kelly
© Geoff Kelly
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