Morwong (Jackass) Nemadactylus macropterus
Distribution - Jackass morwong are found in Australia's southern waters, from Sydney to Rottnest Island in Western Australia. On the East Coast some fish have been caught as far north as Moreton Bay, Queensland. They generally occur as individuals or large schools and inhabit deep coastal waters (25 metres to a depth of more than 200 metres) and occasionally enter large coastal bays.
Size - Maximum weight of about 4.5kg and up to 70cm in length.
Characteristics - Head & body are a greyish/silver colour. Some fish may have a yellow/red tinge on the upper body. Jackass morwong possess a dark band across the top of their head, extending to the base of the pectoral fins. The seventh ray of the pectoral fin is greatly elongated and extends past the rest of the fin.
Confusing species - None. The black 'collar' clearly identifies this species.