Crested Morwong, Cheilodactylus vestitus (Castelnau, 1878)

Scientific name: Cheilodactylus vestitus
Alternative name/s:
Magpie Morwong
Similar species:
A similar-looking species, the Magpie Morwong, Cheilodactylus gibbosus, occurs in Western Australia.
  • Author(s)
    Mark McGrouther
  • Updated
    19/12/18
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Crested Morwong Click to enlarge image
A Crested Morwong at a depth of 18 m, Fly Point Marine Reserve, Port Stephens, New South Wales, February 2004. Image: David & Leanne Atkinson
© 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.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

References

  1. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  2. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
  4. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.