Dactylophora nigricans (Richardson, 1850)
Dusky morwong
Dactylophora nigricans
photo by CSIRO

Family:  Latridae (Trumpeters)
Max. size:  120 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 60 m
Distribution:  Eastern Indian to Western Pacific: in the southern coasts of Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 15-16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24-26; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-10. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D XV-XVI, 24-26; A III, 9-10; pectoral-fin rays 14 with ventral 5 unbranched and thickened; lateralli ne scales 45-55; height of the soft dorsal fin is roughly equal to height of the spinous portion; elongated body with shallow dorsal head profile; body cylindrical in cross section; scales cycloid and large on body; eyes moderate in size; no bone processes on frontal bones or maxilla (Ref. 120445).
Biology:  Found in seagrass beds and near rocky outcrops (Ref. 9563). Feeds on polychaetes, isopods, amphipods and brown algae. Flesh of smaller fish is excellent eating, but its quality deteriorates with age (Ref. 2156).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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