golden weedfish
Kelp dancers
The elusive golden weedfish is a cryptic fish rarely sighted due to their ability to mimic algae, specifically the golden kelp found all along the Great Southern Reef.
The golden weedfish belongs to one of the six Blenny families, Clinidae. In contrast to the other 5, the Clinidae have a mainly temperate distribution. While some members of this family have a slender appearance and bear the name "snake blenny" and "eel blenny", the crested weedfish has a broader body and striking visual appearance.
The majority of temperate blennies possess rich, highly variable colouration in shades of reddish-brown to olive, often with cryptic patterns; this suits their lifestyle, frequenting areas of dense weed or kelps. As a type of groundfish, these fish are often found in kelp beds or along the sand in pursuit of weed-dwelling crustaceans and small fish. Eggs are deposited on kelp for the male to guard.
Image credit: John Turnbull
Crested cousins
The most defining feature of the golden weedfish is their first dorsal fin, which is very tall giving them the appearance of having a little mohawk.
This large fin originates in front of the eye, not directly over it, a distinguishing feature from similar fish the crested weedfish pictured left - Cristiceps australis.
Image credit: Ákos Lumnitzer
Fast Facts:
Species: Cristiceps aurantiacus
Family: Clinidae (Temperate Blennies)
Order: Blenniformes
Feeding: Bottom feeder of small crustaceans, small mollusks, small fish
Habitat: Sea floor, Kelp beds
Distribution: Endemic to GSR
(Juvenile) Image credit: Kim Dinh
