Bluefin Leatherjacket Click to enlarge image
A male Bluefin Leatherjacket at Noarlunga Tyre Reef, Noarlunga, South Australia. Image: David Muirhead
© David Muirhead

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Thamnaconus
    Species
    degeni
    Family
    Monacanthidae
    Order
    Tetraodontiformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    This species grows to 30cm in length.

Introduction

The Bluefin Leatherjacket can be recognised by its colouration. The species is endemic to Australia.

Identification

Male Bluefin Leatherjackets can be recognised by the scattered blue spots, and the blue lines on the bases of the dorsal and anal fins. The background colour varies from pale off-white to dark brown. Females and juveniles are brown, sometimes with brown spots dorsally. They lack the blue markings of the male.

Distribution

It occurs in marine waters from Victoria to Western Australia.

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.


Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

Economic impacts

The Bluefin Leatherjacket is a schooling species which is often caught in commercial trawls.

References

  1. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
  2. 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.
  3. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
  5. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.