Rough Leatherjacket, Scobinichthys granulatus (White, 1790)

Introduction

The Rough Leatherjacket is a secretive fish, living amongst dense seagrass and kelp covered rocky reefs.

Identification

The Rough Leatherjacket has a compressed body, an acutely pointed snout and a small mouth. It is covered with coarse scales that make the skin very rough to touch.

The colour of this species is variable from brown to greenish, grey or white. It usually has a dark blotch above the pectoral fin, three lines across the forehead and two dark bars on the "corners" of the caudal fin. There are usually other brown and blue markings. Juveniles often have a series of dark blotches along the side of the body.

S. granulatus is the only species in the genus Scobinichthys.

Distribution

The Rough Leatherjacket occurs in shallow temperate marine waters from southern Queensland, around the south of the country and north to the central coast of 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.

References

1. Gomon, M.F., Bray, D. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 2008. The Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Reed New Holland. Pp. 928.
2. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
3. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
4. Hutchins, B. & M. Thompson. 1983. The Marine and Estuarine Fishes of South-western Australia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 103.
5. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.