Morwong
Cheilodactylus vestitus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 120 gallons |
| Max Size | 12 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
Morwongs like Cheilodactylus vestitus (often listed as Goniistius vestitus) are coastal Southwest Pacific fish found along rocky bottoms and reef structure. This species is known for a bold black-and-white pattern and a small knob-like bump in front of the eye/upper lip area, and it can reach about 35 cm (around 14 inches) in length.
What You’ll Observe:
- Cruises close to rockwork, then pauses to “post up” on ledges using its pectoral fins for support
- Spends much of the day methodically inspecting crevices and shaded overhangs
- Settles into a predictable route and tends to return to the same favorite shelter spots
- Becomes most visible once it recognizes the feeding routine and comes out to meet the tank
Provide a roomy aquarium with sturdy rock structure, caves, and open lanes along the reef face so it can move and perch naturally. Offer meaty frozen foods (like mysis and chopped seafood) plus quality sinking pellets/gel foods so it can feed both from the water column and near the bottom. It does best in setups where its foraging style is supported with consistent, calm feeding.
What is the “bump” on the head/lip area, and does it change over time?
It’s a normal physical feature described for the species, and it’s part of how the fish looks rather than an injury or defect.
Does a Morwong need sand, or is rockwork the main priority?
Rockwork is the key—this fish spends much of its time along reef faces, ledges, and crevices, so stable structure matters more than sand depth.
Will it mostly swim in the open, or stay close to the rocks?
Most keepers notice it stays tight to structure, moving along the reef and stopping on ledges rather than free-swimming in the middle of the tank.
Is it normal for it to “pace” the same route every day?
Yes—morwongs are often described as having a repeatable patrol pattern, especially once they’ve mapped out preferred perches and shelters.
How do you get it comfortable eating prepared foods quickly?
Use a consistent feeding spot and schedule, and mix familiar frozen items with pellets/gel foods so it learns that multiple textures equal “food time.”
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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