Magpie Morwong

Goniistius gibbosus

Goniistius gibbosus - Magpie Morwong
map
image_search Terms and anatomy

Size: 30 cm

Distribution: Few records from Port Noarlunga. May also be present west of Gulf St. Vincent

Habitat: Rocky reef

Depth: Subtidal to 10+ metres

Previously found only in Western Australia, this whitish morwing species is known from only a handful of photographs in SA, all taken at Port Noarlunga since 2023. It has dark diagonal banding on the front part of the body, to the pelvic fins, and another dark stripe running under the dorsal fin to the tail. The tail and fins are a pale yellow. Although their ranges do not currently overlap, this species is almost identical to the Crested Morwong (Goniistius vestitus), found on the east coast of Australia, and can be differentiated by minor variations in the pattern.


Further Reference

Fishes of Australia