Mosaic Leatherjacket, Eubalichthys mosaicus (Ramsay & Ogilby, 1886)
Deep Bodied Leatherjacket, Deepbodied Leatherjacket, Dinnerplate Leatherjacket.
Click to enlarge image
© Peter Barfod
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Eubalichthys
- Species
- mosaicus
- Family
- Monacanthidae
- Order
- Tetraodontiformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The Mosaic Leatherjacket grows to at least 60 cm in length.
Introduction
The Mosaic Leatherjacket is a deep-bodied fish with a strong dorsal spine above the eyes, narrow gill openings and minute scales. The juvenile Mosaic Leatherjacket is known to live in the shallow waters of estuaries, while adults are found on deep offshore reefs.
Identification
Adults are blue to brownish-grey with yellowish-brown stripes and blotches. All the fins are blue-green. Juveniles are yellow to brown and patterned with wavy blue to grey lines and orange-bordered brown blotches.
Distribution
It has a widespread distribution around the southern half of 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.
References
- Gomon, M.F., Bray, D. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 2008. The Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Reed New Holland. Pp. 928.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Hutchins, B. & M. Thompson. 1983. The Marine and Estuarine Fishes of South-western Australia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 103.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
- Last, P.R., Scott, E.O.G. & F.H. Talbot. 1983. Fishes of Tasmania. Tasmanian Fisheries Development Authority. Pp. 563.
