Common Name: Yellow Crested Weedfish

Distribution: Common in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Known from the southern half of the Australian continent and New Zealand but not recorded from Tasmania.

Ecological Notes: Frequents kelp beds, other weed beds on sand, in rockpools and to 30 m depth. 

Additional Notes: Colour may vary from brown through yellow to orange. Cryptic species not often observed due to its habitat, best recognised by shape of the first dorsal fin which begins in front of the eye.  Feeds on crustaceans and small fishes among the weed beds. Grows to about 22 cm. 

References: Kuiter, R. H., Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Published by Crawford House Press Pty. Ltd., 1993. p. 326.

FishBase. Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2018. World Wide Web electronic publication. https://fishbase.ca/summary/Cristiceps-aurantiacus.html. Accessed 23/05/18.