Animal Species:Bluefin Leatherjacket, Thamnaconus degeni (Regan, 1903)

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

Bluefin Leatherjacket, Thamnaconus degeni

Bluefin Leatherjacket, Thamnaconus degeni
Ken Graham, DPI Fisheries © Ken Graham, DPI Fisheries

Alternative Name/s

Degen's Leatherjacket

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.

Size range

This species grows to 30cm in length.

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.

Thamnaconus degeni

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Bluefin Leatherjacket specimens in the Australian Museum.

What does this mean?

Economic/social impacts

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

Classification

Species:
degeni
Genus:
Thamnaconus
Family:
Monacanthidae
Order:
Tetraodontiformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

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.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags fishes, ichthyology, Bluefin Leatherjacket, Thamnaconus degeni, red, pink, white, blue, odd-shaped, 10 cm - 30 cm, blotches/mottled, coastal waters, marine, adult, blue fins,