General Description

Body very compressed, roughly circular in females and juveniles, oval in males; ventral flap small; tail base shallow without spines; dorsal spine above eye with small barbs; abdomen not inflatable. Adults usually blue to brown-grey with yellow spots and patches on side. Young fish yellow or pale grey, with horizontal blue lines or brown blotches on the side. To 60 cm.

Biology

These leatherjackets are reasonably common on deeper offshore reefs and trawling grounds, also in harbours and bays. Juveniles are frequently around piers and jetties, or under jellyfishes.

Habitat

Inshore and offshore reefs, in depths of 6-150 m.

Reefs

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Fishes › Leatherjackets

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

60 cm

Diet

Carnivore

Harmful

Large dorsal spine could punture skin.

Commercial Species

Yes

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Identify

• Fishes - Leatherjackets

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed