Crested Morwong, Cheilodactylus vestitus (Castelnau, 1878)
Magpie Morwong
A similar-looking species, the Magpie Morwong, Cheilodactylus gibbosus, occurs in Western Australia.
Click to enlarge image
© David & Leanne Atkinson
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Cheilodactylus
- Species
- vestitus
- Family
- Cheilodactylidae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The Crested Morwong grows to about 35 cm in length.
Introduction
It occurs in tropical and warm temperate waters of the Western Pacific, usually seen on shallow, sheltered coastal and estuarine reefs.
Identification
The Crested Morwong can be recognised by the dark stripe, which crosses from the spiny part of the dorsal fin to the lower lobe of the caudal fin. There are pairs of knob-like protrusions in front of the eyes and above the upper lip. The dorsal fin is tall anteriorly, then decreases in height over the next four spines, with the rest of the fin being long-based and low.
Habitat
It is usually seen on shallow, sheltered coastal and estuarine reefs.
Distribution
It occurs in tropical and warm temperate waters of the Western Pacific.
In Australia it is known from southern Queensland to the central coast of New South Wales.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
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.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
