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Blue morwong (Nemadactylus valenciennesi) — Cheilodactylidae

Blue morwong

Nemadactylus valenciennesi

The Blue morwong (Nemadactylus valenciennesi) is a saltwater fish of the family Cheilodactylidae that grows up to 90 cm.

Length
90 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
40.0–240.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The blue morwong is a large morwong (Latridae) from the waters around southern Australia. The species has a robust, blue-grey body with yellow streaks on the head, dark stripes and elongated lower pectoral fin rays. It lives on the continental shelf, often around deeper reefs. Bottom-bound, it feeds on invertebrates such as crustaceans, molluscs and worms. It is a valued food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blue morwong?

The Blue morwong has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Blue morwong live?

The Blue morwong lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Blue morwong get?

The Blue morwong grows to a maximum of about 90 cm.

Is the Blue morwong dangerous to humans?

No, the Blue morwong is harmless to humans.

Is the Blue morwong edible?

Yes, the Blue morwong is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Blauwe morwong sourced
English name
Blue morwong verified
Scientific name
Nemadactylus valenciennesi
Family
Cheilodactylidae
Other names
Blue morwong; Queen fish; Queen morwong; Queen snapper; Sea carp verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
90.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
40.0 verified
Max depth (m)
240.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
21.0 sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Nemadactylus

More from the family Cheilodactylidae

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