This red moki (Cheilodactylus spectabilis) was photographed at Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve north of Gisborne. The species is found mainly in northern New Zealand waters. They spend a lot of time in caves and crevices, only venturing into the open to feed. Their distinctive vertical bars help to camouflage them amongst vertical kelp strands. They have a varied diet, eating almost any animal on the sea floor or among the seaweed. The red moki belongs to the same family as the tarakihi, the Cheilodactylidae.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Department of Conservation
Reference:
10050583
Photograph by Jamie Quirk
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