The Crested Morwong (Cheilodactylus vestitus) is a very distinctive morwong species and belongs to the family Cheilodactylidae. It is also commonly known as the eastern crested morwong and the magpie morwong. It is found along the east coast of Australia from Port Hacking in New South Wales to the Capricorn Bunker Group at the southern part of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland. It is also found around the waters of Lord Howe Island and New Caledonia.
This species is easily recognised by the black diagonal bands that run along its white body. A yellow band can be seen running down the dorsal fin and there is usually a yellow blotch behind the eye. This species can be found in coastal estuaries and bays where it is generally seen in amongst sponge gardens or seagrass beds. Divers often observe this species lying in amongst sponges and it is generally seen individually but may be seen in small aggregations. The Crested Morwong (Cheilodactylus vestitus) grows to a maximum length of approximately 35 cm.
