Dusky Morwong

Dactylophora nigricans

Sea Life Native IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

Although this is the largest morwong species, it is not a popular angling fish due to the dark strong smelling flesh of large adults

Identification

Body long and tapering, with a small mouth, thick lips, and the lower pectoral-fin rays extended and thickened. Adults greyish to brownish-grey or greyish-green, paler below; immature fish are more silvery with orange spots on the uppersides and tail. The small silvery juveniles are deep-bodied and compressed with a series of dark brown bars along the back and large orange spots on the sides

Size

Can grow up to around 120cm however usally around half of that at around 60cm

Habitat

They can be found around seagrass and weed beds and rocky outcrops or reefs in coastal waters

Distribution

They can be found around the southern coasts of Australia from WA to NSW including around Tasmania

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (2)
  1. Bray, D. and Gomon, M. (2011) Dactylophora nigricans Dusky Morwong in Museums Victoria Collections (accessed 2022-12-31 12:46:28)
  2. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2022-12-31 12:46:48)

Header image: (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) © J. Martin Crossley

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.