Animal Species:Painted Morwong, Cheilodactylus ephippium McCulloch & Waite, 1916

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.

Size range

35 cm

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.

Cheilodactylus ephippium

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Painted Morwong specimens in Australian Museums.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It occurs in depths to 60 m.

Classification

Species:
ephippium
Genus:
Cheilodactylus
Family:
Cheilodactylidae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

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.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags fishes, ichthyology, Painted Morwong, Cheilodactylus ephippium, Cheilodactylidae, brown, 'normal fish', 30 cm - 1 m, stripes or bands, marine, adult,