Yellowfin Leatherjacket, Meuschenia trachylepis (Günther, 1870)

Scientific name: Meuschenia trachylepis
Alternative name/s:
Yellow-finned Leatherjacket
  • Author(s)
    Mark McGrouther, Sascha Schulz
  • Updated
    16/01/19
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Yellowfin Leatherjacket, Meuschenia trachylepis Click to enlarge image
A Yellowfin Leatherjacket at a depth of 7 m, Swansea Channel, New South Wales, 6 July 2014. Image: Matt Dowse
© Matt Dowse

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Meuschenia
    Species
    trachylepis
    Family
    Monacanthidae
    Suborder
    Tetraodontoidei
    Order
    Tetraodontiformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The Yellowfin Leatherjacket grows to 35 cm in length

Introduction

The Yellowfin Leatherjacket is commonly found in estuarine seagrass beds and kelp-covered rocky reefs. At night this species can been seen biting onto a strand of seagrass to keep it anchored while it sleeps.

Identification

The species can be recognised by the the caudal fin pattern and the scribble-like markings on the sides of the body.

It has a strong, barbed dorsal spine above the eye, narrow gill openings above the pectoral fins and usually two pairs of spines on the caudal peduncle.

Habitat

The species is commonly found in shallow estuaries, particularly during their juvenile and young adult stages. Large adults are often seen on rocky reefs.

Yellowfin Leatherjacket, Meuschenia trachylepis
Yellowfin Leatherjacket with Leatherjacket Louse
Mark McGrouther holding a Yellowfin Leatherjacket.

Distribution

The Yellowfin Leatherjacket is endemic to Australia. It is usually seen at depths of 10 m to 40 m from southern Queensland to eastern Victoria.

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. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.