ANIMAL SPECIES:Bearded Leatherjacket, Anacanthus barbatus (Gray, 1830)
At first glance, you would be forgiven for thinking that this species was a not a Leatherjacket. Its elongate, compressed head and body combined with the 'beard' on its lower jaw give it a most un-leatherjacket-like appearance.
Alternative Names/s
Jumping Leatherjacket, Ribbon Leatherjacket.Identification
The Bearded Leatherjacket can be recognised by its elongate, compressed head and body. The mouth opens on the upper side of the very long snout. There is a barbel on the lower jaw. The dorsal and anal fins are long-based.
Size range
It grows to 35 cm in length.Distribution
It is known from the Eastern Indian Ocean and Western Pacific.
In Australia it is found from south-western Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country and south to the central coast of New South Wales.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Bearded Leatherjacket specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The species occurs primarily in inshore tropical waters, often over sandy substrates amongst seaweed and seawhips.
Classification
- Species:
- barbatus
- Genus:
- Anacanthus
- Family:
- Monacanthidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
- Hutchins, J.B., 2001 Monacanthidae. Filefishes (leatherjackets). in Carpenter, K.E. & V.H. Niem (Eds). FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes. The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. Volume 6. Bony Fishes part 4 (Labridae to Latimeriidae), estuarine crocodiles, sea turtles, sea snakes and marine mammals. FAO, Rome. Pp. iii-v, 3381-4218.
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A Bearded Leatherjacket caught at Coolongolook River View full size
Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum
Close-up of a Bearded Leatherjacket View full size
Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum
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