Painted Morwong, Cheilodactylus ephippium McCulloch & Waite, 1916

Scientific name: Cheilodactylus ephippium
Painted Morwong, <i>Cheilodactylus ephippium</i> Click to enlarge image
A Painted Morwong at a depth of 14m, 'The Arch and the Crevasse', Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, 27 December 2008. Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Cheilodactylus
    Species
    ephippium
    Family
    Cheilodactylidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    35 cm

Introduction

The Painted Morwong can be recognised by its colouration. It is a common reef-dweller at Lord Howe Island.

Identification

The species can be recognised by the partial banding and brown spots on the head and body.

Painted Morwong, Cheilodactylus ephippium
Painted Morwong, Cheilodactylus ephippium

Habitat

It occurs in depths to 60 m.

Distribution

Common at Lord Howe Island, the species is also known from coastal New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.