(Image credit: Graham Edgar)

Generally found within temperate waters and mostly confined to Australia, the leatherjackets are identified by a long spine over the eye and leathery skin.
JUVENILES: Look for a rounded body and bright yellow and orange patches with blue lines.
ADULTS: The body elongates in the adult form and the orange/yellow spots occurring at juvenile stages become black and blue patches become pale.

Length: Up to 60 cm

Habitat

Sheltered and moderately exposed reef. Juveniles are common in sheltered reefs and adults are found in deeper water; 1-80 m depth

Log it

In Tasmania, log this species if spotted on the northeast, eastern and southern coasts

Related links/info

Species names on the Redmap site are based on the Codes for Australian Aquatic Biota or CAAB (http://www.cmar.csiro.au/caab/). This is updated regularly and lists the approved common name, family, species name and more.

Redmap species descriptions were based, with permission, on the following resources:

Australian Marine Life: The Plants and Animals of Temperate Waters by G. J. Edgar, Revised Ed. (2008) Reed Books, Melbourne

Fishes of Australia’s Southern Coast, Edited by M. Gomon. D. Bray and R. Kuiter (2008) Reed Books, Melbourne

Find further information and images at FISHES OF AUSTRALIA http://www.fishesofaustralia.net.au/