Black Reef Leatherjacket

Introduction

The Black Reef Leatherjacket is a very shy species, living on coastal and offshore reefs in temperate marine waters. They are usually seen in pairs.

Identification

The Black Reef Leatherjacket can be recognised by its brown to black body colour and white ring around the eyes. Juveniles are brown or green with spots which fade with growth. This species has a strong, barbed dorsal fin spine above the eyes.

Habitat

It lives on coastal and offshore reefs in depths of 10 m to at least 250 m.

Distribution

The species is endemic to Australia, occurring in temperate marine waters from northern New South Wales to south-western Western Australia. It is not known from Tasmania.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Other behaviours and adaptations

It is often seen in pairs.

References

• Hutchins, J.B. in Gomon, M.F, Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
• Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
• Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
• Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.