Southern Crested Weedfish

Interesting Info

• The Southern Crested Weedfish lives all around southern Australia, from Victoria and South Australia, through Tasmania, and all the way to the Houtman Abrolhos in Western Australia.
• It belongs to the clinid family, a group of fishes specially adapted for camouflage in kelp, algae, and seagrass habitats.
• This species gets its name from the small crest or fleshy flap on its head, which can be raised when the fish is alert or displaying to rivals.
• Body colours are highly variable—olive, brown, red, or green, often patterned with spots, stripes, or mottling that mimic surrounding seaweed.
• Juveniles are usually more patterned, with banding and blotches that give them excellent camouflage in shallow weed beds.
• Southern Crested Weedfish live in shallow coastal waters, from tide pools to 15 m (50 ft) deep, among kelp, seagrass, and rocky reef weed cover.
• They are ambush predators, sitting motionless in weed until small crustaceans, worms, or tiny fishes pass close enough to be snapped up.
• Their large pectoral fins allow them to perch on rocks and stabilise in surge zones where waves push through kelp forests.
• Breeding occurs in spring and summer; females lay sticky eggs on seaweed or rocky surfaces, which are then guarded by males until hatching.
• The lifespan is not well studied but is thought to be around 4–6 years, similar to related weedfish species.
• Predators include larger reef fishes, octopuses, and seabirds that forage in shallow kelp zones.
• This fish plays an important role in coastal ecosystems by keeping small invertebrate populations under control.