How to Identify Bilagay

To identify Bilagay (Cheilodactylus variegatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Highly variable, typically mottled with shades of brown, green, and yellow, often with darker vertical bands or blotches. The ventral side is usually lighter. Fins may have darker markings.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Thick, fleshy lips, Elongated, unbranched lower pectoral fin rays, Distinctive mottled coloration

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 17-18 spines and 24-27 soft rays, deeply notched.

Tail fin

Truncate to slightly emarginate caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Large, fan-like pectoral fins with the lower 6-7 rays greatly elongated and unbranched.

Distinctive fins

The elongated lower pectoral fin rays are a key identifying feature of morwongs.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   Look for the mottled pattern of browns, greens, and yellows, often with irregular darker bands or blotches.

2. 2

   Pectoral Fins

   Observe the lower rays of the pectoral fins; they are noticeably elongated and unbranched, extending beyond the main fin membrane.

3. 3

   Lips

   Note the thick, fleshy lips, characteristic of the Cheilodactylidae family.

4. 4

   Dorsal Fin

   Count the dorsal fin spines (17-18) and soft rays (24-27) and note the deep notch between the spiny and soft-rayed portions.

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