Southern Crested Weedfish

Cristiceps Australis
Southern Crested Weedfish - Marinewise © 2025 MarineWise

Quick Facts

Scientific name Cristiceps Australis
Other names Crested Weedfish, Weedfish
Size Up to 30 cm (12 in)
Weight Under .25 kg (.55 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Coastal waters, estuaries & bays amongst seagrass beds & rocky reef areas rich in algae
Depth Range 1 - 15 m (49 ft)
Southern Crested Weedfish Distribution

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.
Species Interaction

Recreational Fishing, Aquarium, Snorkeling & Diving

The Southern Crested Weedfish is not a species targeted for recreational fishing but is often caught as bycatch when targeting other species. They can occasionally be found in large, established reef aquariums. In the wild can be an exciting experience for snorkelers and divers. Due to their camouflage ability, patience and a keen eye are necessary to spot them amidst the rocky and weedy environment. Slow and gentle movements are essential to avoid startling these shy creatures.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Clinidae

Genus: Cristiceps

Species: Cristiceps Australis

Conservation Status

Currently, the Southern Crested Weedfish is not listed as a threatened species in Australia. However, it’s crucial to cross-reference this information as conservation statuses can change over time.

How to catch
Southern Crested Weedfish

Catch Difficulty: Easy

Tackle: Running Sinker Rig

Bait: Fresh cut flesh baits, Prawns, Shellfish, Squid, Worms

Technique: Keep bait close to the reef/structure

Popularity: Not targeted - Bycatch

Southern Crested Weedfish
As Aquarium Fish

Care Level: Moderate to difficult

Temperament: Shy

Diet: Carnivore

Reef Compatible: Yes

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Recreational Viewing
- Snorkeling & Scuba

Finding: Difficult

Temperament: Shy

Location: Inner Reef, Lagoon

Danger: None