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Bluespotted leatherjacket (Eubalichthys caeruleoguttatus) — Monacanthidae

Bluespotted leatherjacket

Eubalichthys caeruleoguttatus
Family: Monacanthidae

The Bluespotted leatherjacket (Eubalichthys caeruleoguttatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Monacanthidae that grows up to 38 cm.

Length
38 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
22.0–82.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The bluespotted leatherjacket is a filefish (Monacanthidae) from temperate reef and weedy water of southern and western Australia. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a deep, strongly laterally compressed, brown to olive-green body dotted with blue spots, a rough file-like skin and an erectable first dorsal spine. As a calm fish it swims with undulating fins along reef and kelp and picks sponges, weed and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bluespotted leatherjacket?

The Bluespotted leatherjacket has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Bluespotted leatherjacket live?

The Bluespotted leatherjacket lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Bluespotted leatherjacket get?

The Bluespotted leatherjacket grows to a maximum of about 38 cm.

Is the Bluespotted leatherjacket dangerous to humans?

No, the Bluespotted leatherjacket is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Bluespotted leatherjacket sourced
Scientific name
Eubalichthys caeruleoguttatus
Family
Monacanthidae
Other names
Blue-spotted leatherjacket; Blue-finned leatherjacket verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
38.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
22.0 verified
Max depth (m)
82.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Eubalichthys

More from the family Monacanthidae

Fin

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