ANIMAL SPECIES:Tasselled Leatherjacket, Chaetodermis penicilligera (Cuvier, 1817)
Alternative Names/s
The species has also been called the Prickly Leatherjacket.Identification
The Tasselled Leatherjacket can be recognised by its deep, compressed body which has a variable cover of dermal flaps. It has a large caudal fin and like most other leatherjackets, it has a strong first dorsal fin spine.
The fish is usually brown with a series of black lines on the head and body. There may be bright blue spots and dashes on the body, some of which border the black lines. Two black blotches may be present on the side of the body, the anteriormost is positioned above the pectoral fin base.
Size range
The species grows to at least 21 cm in length.Distribution
The Tasselled Leatherjacket occurs in coastal marine waters of the Indo-West Pacific. In Australia it is known from south-western Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country, and south to the New South Wales central coast.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Tasselled Leatherjacket specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
It is sometimes seen by divers in weedy habitats, but is also taken occasionally in trawls at depths of over 50 m.
Classification
- Species:
- penicilligera
- Genus:
- Chaetodermis
- 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.
- Hutchins, J.B. 2001. Monacanthidae 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.
- 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.
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Lateral view of a Tasselled Leatherjacket View full size
Jayne Jenkins
© Jayne Jenkins
A Tasselled Leatherjacket inside the council pool net, Manly Cove View full size
Jayne Jenkins
© Jayne Jenkins
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