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Magpie morwong (Cheilodactylus gibbosus) — Cheilodactylidae

Magpie morwong

Cheilodactylus gibbosus

The Magpie morwong (Cheilodactylus gibbosus) is a fish of the family Cheilodactylidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The magpie morwong is a morwong (Cheilodactylidae) from temperate reef waters of southern and western Australia. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, white body with bold broad black bars and blotches and thickened, fleshy lips. As a bottom-oriented fish it picks small invertebrates from sand and reef bottoms with its elongated pectoral rays. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Magpie morwong?

The Magpie morwong is mainly white and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Magpie morwong live?

The Magpie morwong is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Magpie morwong get?

The Magpie morwong grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.

Is the Magpie morwong dangerous to humans?

No, the Magpie morwong is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Ekster-morwong sourced
English name
Magpie morwong sourced
Scientific name
Cheilodactylus gibbosus
Family
Cheilodactylidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
40 sourced
Dominant colour
White sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Cheilodactylus

More from the family Cheilodactylidae

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