Fish diurnal

Grey Morwong

Nemadactylus douglasii

A masterpiece of the Southern Pacific reefs, the Grey Morwong is instantly recognizable by its iridescent silver hue and remarkably thick, 'rubber' lips. Whether hovering over rocky outcrops or sifting through coastal sands, this calm and curious fish is a highlight for any underwater camera enthusiast.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Typically 40–70 cm (16–28 in) in length, reaching a maximum of 80 cm (31.5 in); weight up to 5 kg (11 lbs).

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Colors

Silvery-grey to iridescent light blue on the back and sides, fading to a pale silver or white belly; fins often show hints of olive or yellow.

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Key Features

Large, fleshy 'rubber' lips with a downward-oriented mouth
One dramatically elongated pectoral fin ray that extends toward the tail
Deep, compressed oval body with a distinct silvery-blue sheen

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 9 AM – 4 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet A carnivorous bottom-feeder that uses its thick lips to sift through sand and reef crevices for crabs, shrimp, marine worms, and small mollusks.

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Habitat Coastal marine waters, specifically where rocky reef structures meet open sandy patches at depths of 10 to 100 meters.

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Behavior

The Grey Morwong, often called the Porae in New Zealand, is a graceful and somewhat stoic inhabitant of coastal reefs. They are known for their unique 'hovering' behavior, where they remain nearly motionless just above the substrate, using their specialized pectoral fins to maintain stability in the surge. Unlike many smaller, flighty reef fish, the Grey Morwong moves with a slow, deliberate confidence, making them a favorite subject for underwater observers.

While juveniles are often seen in small, social schools over sandy flats, adults tend to be more solitary or found in pairs once they establish a territory on a rocky reef. They are inquisitive but not aggressive, often approaching divers or stationary objects to investigate potential food sources unearthed by the current. Their social structure is relatively loose, but they are consistently found in the same high-quality reef habitats year after year.

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Camera Tips

To capture high-quality footage of the Grey Morwong, you will need a waterproof action camera or a specialized underwater reef-cam housing. Position your camera at the 'edge' zone—where the rocky reef transitions into the sandy seafloor. This is the Morwong’s primary hunting ground. Mount the camera low, roughly 30–50 centimeters (12-20 inches) above the bottom, and angle it slightly downward. This perspective captures their unique foraging behavior as they blow jets of water into the sand to uncover prey.

Stability is critical in coastal environments. Use a weighted tripod or a heavy baseplate to prevent the camera from shifting with the swell. While Grey Morwongs are naturally curious and may approach a camera just to investigate, you can encourage a visit by placing a small mesh bag filled with crushed shellfish or oily bait like pilchards (sardines) just inside the camera's frame. The scent will draw them in, and their attempts to 'nuzzle' the bait bag will provide excellent close-up shots of their distinctive rubbery lips.

Lighting is your biggest challenge underwater. Aim to record during the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead to ensure maximum light penetration. If you are filming in deeper water (over 5 meters), colors will appear washed out and blue. Use a red color-correction filter on your lens to bring back the natural silvery-grey and yellow tones of the fish. If your camera has a 'Spot Meter' setting, enable it to prevent the bright sandy bottom from overexposing the image and turning the fish into a dark silhouette.

For the best results, set your camera to a high frame rate, such as 60fps or 120fps. Grey Morwongs have very fluid, subtle fin movements that look spectacular in slow motion. Additionally, ensure your housing's lens is treated with an anti-fog insert; the temperature difference between the air and the water can cause internal condensation that ruins an otherwise perfect shot of this elegant reef dweller.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Grey Morwong.

Jackass Morwong

Features a very distinct dark 'collar' or saddle-shaped marking behind the head that the Grey Morwong lacks.

Red Morwong

Has a reddish-brown body color and a more robust, rounded head shape compared to the slender, silvery Grey Morwong.

Blue Blue Blue

Often confused due to names, but the Blue Morwong (Queen Snapper) has a more elongated body and different fin structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Grey Morwong are primarily diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They spend most of the daylight hours foraging along the reef edges and are easiest to spot from mid-morning to late afternoon.

The best way to attract Grey Morwong is to place your camera near a reef-sand interface. Using a small amount of crushed crab or oily fish bait in a secure mesh bag will often draw them in for a close-up.

They are benthic carnivores, meaning they eat creatures living on the ocean floor. Their diet primarily consists of small crustaceans like crabs and shrimp, as well as various marine worms and mollusks.

Yes, while they inhabit depths up to 100 meters, they are very frequently found in shallow coastal reefs between 10 and 30 meters deep, making them accessible for shore-based underwater cameras.

The easiest way to tell them apart is by looking for the 'collar.' The Jackass Morwong has a prominent dark band or saddle marking right behind its head, whereas the Grey Morwong has a uniform silvery-blue color without that dark marking.

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