Fin's Fish Guide
The Black butterfish (Dactylophora nigricans) is a saltwater fish of the family Cheilodactylidae that grows up to 120 cm.
Temperate waters around southern Australia; seagrass beds and rocky outcrops.
Description
The dusky morwong is a large reef fish of the morwong family (Cheilodactylidae) from the temperate waters around southern Australia. The species grows to about 1.2 metres and has an elongate, greyish body with a small head and thick lips. It inhabits seagrass beds and the vicinity of rocky outcrops in shallow to moderately deep coastal water. With its fleshy lips it searches the bottom for polychaete worms, isopods, amphipods and other small invertebrates, which it sucks up with the sand and sifts. The dusky morwong is a slow, site-attached reef dweller and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black butterfish?
The Black butterfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large, slow morwong with fleshy lips; sifts sand in search of small benthic invertebrates.
Where does the Black butterfish live?
The Black butterfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Temperate waters around southern Australia; seagrass beds and rocky outcrops.
How big does the Black butterfish get?
The Black butterfish grows to a maximum of about 120 cm.
Is the Black butterfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Black butterfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black butterfish edible?
The Black butterfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
More from the family Cheilodactylidae
Want the complete picture on the Black butterfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black butterfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.