Bluefin Leatherjacket, Thamnaconus degeni (Regan, 1903)
Degen's Leatherjacket
Click to enlarge image
© David Muirhead
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Thamnaconus
- Species
- degeni
- Family
- Monacanthidae
- Order
- Tetraodontiformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- This species grows to 30cm in length.
Introduction
The Bluefin Leatherjacket can be recognised by its colouration. The species is endemic to Australia.
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.
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.
Economic impacts
The Bluefin Leatherjacket is a schooling species which is often caught in commercial trawls.
References
- Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
- 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.
- 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.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
