Painted Morwong

Morwong ephippium

The Painted Morwong is a marine ray-finned fish found in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, particularly around New South Wales, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, and the Kermadec Islands in New Zealand. Divers can often spot this species on inshore rocky and coral reefs, typically at depths shallower than 40 meters, although they can be found down to 60 meters. The Painted Morwong is characterized by its reddish-brown to brown body with irregular spotting and distinctive light-colored bars and spots. One oblique bar runs from the nape to behind the pectoral fin, merging with the pale underside, while another shorter bar extends from beneath the dorsal fin. These features help distinguish it from similar species. This fish reaches a maximum length of 55 cm and feeds primarily on small invertebrates, which it filters from the sediment. Its feeding behavior involves sifting and sucking up these benthic invertebrates, making it a bottom-dwelling species. The conservation status of the Painted Morwong has not been evaluated by the IUCN, but it is not considered a threat to humans. Divers encountering this species can expect a peaceful experience, observing its slow-moving behavior as it navigates the reef in search of food.