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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Spottedtail morwong

Goniistius zonatus Cuvier, 1830
Max Length
45 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.3
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
40.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Spottedtail morwong (Goniistius zonatus) is a ray-finned fish. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 45 cm. With a trophic level of 3.3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.

Scientific Name
Goniistius zonatus
Authority
Cuvier, 1830
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
45 cm
Trophic Level
3.3
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
40.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Genus
Goniistius
Goniistius
Species
Spottedtail morwong
Goniistius zonatus

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Spottedtail morwong is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Spottedtail morwong is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Spottedtail morwong is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Spottedtail morwong is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; benthopelagic. Tropical central Honshu southward, South China Sea and Taiwan.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine
Trophic Level
3.3±0.3

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01175 × L3.04 (TL)
Max TL
45cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2023

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
40.00/100
Moderate vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.3
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Cuvier, 1830

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Goniistius Zonatus is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
  • Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
  • Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
  • Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
  • Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

Nutrition

Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central

Nutrient Amount
Protein 17.7 g
Omega-3 (total) 212 mg

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Spottedtail morwong has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

👥 Community & Contribute

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