ANIMAL SPECIES:Crested Morwong, Cheilodactylus vestitus (Castelnau, 1878)
It occurs in tropical and warm temperate waters of the Western Pacific, usually seen on shallow, sheltered coastal and estuarine reefs.
Alternative Name/s
Magpie MorwongIdentification
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.
Size range
The Crested Morwong grows to about 35 cm in length.Similar Species
A similar-looking species, the Magpie Morwong, Cheilodactylus gibbosus, occurs in Western Australia.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.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Crested Morwong specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
It is usually seen on shallow, sheltered coastal and estuarine reefs.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
nullOther behaviours and adaptations
nullCommunication
nullLife cycle
nullMating and reproduction
nullPredators, Parasites and Diseases
nullConservation Status
nullFossils
nullLiving with us
Economic/social impacts
nullManagement
nullDanger to humans and first aid
nullClassification
- Species:
- vestitus
- Genus:
- Cheilodactylus
- Family:
- Cheilodactylidae
- Order:
- Perciformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Further Reading
nullReferences
- 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.
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A Crested Morwong at Fly Point Marine Reserve View full size
David & Leanne Atkinson
© David & Leanne Atkinson
A Crested Morwong at Fly Point View full size
David & Leanne Atkinson
© David & Leanne Atkinson
A Crested Morwong resting against a sponge View full size
David & Leanne Atkinson
© David & Leanne Atkinson
A Crested Morwong resting on a sponge View full size
David & Leanne Atkinson
© David & Leanne Atkinson
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