Magpie Perch

Cheilodactylus nigripes

Sea Life Endemic IUCN: Not Evaluated

Species Name and Family Fishes of Australia reports this species as being Pseudogoniistius nigripes Richardson 1850 I can find no reference for this so have kept it as Cheilodactylus nigripes This may change in the future

About

A morwong with two broad black bands on the body and a band on the head through the eye. One of the bands on the body may be pale grey in some individuals, and juveniles have a reddish tail that darkens with maturity. Individuals can rapidly change colour by lightening the dark bands.

Size

It can grow to a length of over 40 cm

Habitat

Sheltered and exposed coastal reefs, found in caves and under overhangs, in depths of 0-25 m

Distribution

The species is found in temperate marine waters from Albany in Western Australia to Kiama in New South Wales. It is also found in Tasmania.

Locally It is common behind the Island

Gallery

Select any photo or video to view it large with its details and credits.

Local Sightings

2 recorded sightings in and around the area.

References & citations (2)

Bray, D.J. & Gomon, M.F., 2011, Magpie Perch, Cheilodactylus nigripes, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
Bray, D.J. 2019, Pseudogoniistius nigripes in Fishes of Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Quick Facts

Common name: Magpie Perch
Scientific name: Cheilodactylus nigripes Richardson, 1850
Family: Cheilodactylidae
Category: Sea Life › Fish
Origin: Endemic
Conservation: Not Evaluated

Australian Faunal Directory

Rules & Regulations

Check current size, bag and seasonal limits before taking this species.

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

Also Known As

Black-striped Morwong
Magpie Morwong

Tags

reef spearfishing snorkeling diving

Information Website

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Header image: CC BY-SA 4.0 © Wild Roo Designs

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.