ANIMAL SPECIES:Unicorn Leatherjacket, Aluterus monoceros (Linnaeus, 1758)
The Unicorn Leatherjacket is usually brown to grey with brown spots on the upper sides and a dark caudal fin. It can be recognised by its highly compressed body and the posterior placement of the eyes on the head.
Identification
The Unicorn Leatherjacket can be recognised by its highly compressed body and the posterior placement of the eyes on the head. The dorsal and ventral head profiles are both convex. The dorsal fin spine is slender.
The species is usually brown to grey with brown spots on the upper sides. The caudal fin is dark.
Two species of Aluterus occur in Australian waters. The second is the Scribbled Leatherjacket.
Size range
The species grows to 75 cm in length.Distribution
The Unicorn Leatherjacket occurs worldwide.
In Australia it is known 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 Unicorn Leatherjacket specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The species occurs in tropical marine waters.
Classification
- Species:
- monoceros
- Genus:
- Aluterus
- Family:
- Monacanthidae
- Order:
- Tetraodontiformes
- 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, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
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A Unicorn Leatherjacket at Fly Point Marine Reserve, Port Stephens View full size
David and Leanne Atkinson
© David and Leanne Atkinson
A Unicorn Leatherjacket at Fly Point Marine Reserve View full size
David and Leanne Atkinson
© David and Leanne Atkinson
Unicorn Leatherjacket, Aluterus monoceros View full size
Ian Kerr
© Ian Kerr
Unicorn Leatherjacket caught at Lord Howe Island View full size
Ian Kerr
© Ian Kerr
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