Home · Monacanthidae · Deep-bodied leatherjacket
Deep-bodied leatherjacket (Eubalichthys mosaicus) — Monacanthidae

Deep-bodied leatherjacket

Eubalichthys mosaicus
Family: Monacanthidae
LC · Least Concern

The Deep-bodied leatherjacket (Eubalichthys mosaicus) is a saltwater fish of the family Monacanthidae that grows up to 60 cm.

Length
60 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–140.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Around southern Australia; deeper offshore reefs.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Want the complete picture on the Deep-bodied leatherjacket?

Get the app

Description

The mosaic leatherjacket is a filefish (Monacanthidae) from the waters around southern Australia. The species has a strongly laterally compressed body with a rough skin and a handsome mosaic pattern of blue and orange lines and spots. Adults live on deeper offshore reefs to about one hundred and forty metres; juveniles in estuaries. With its small mouth it picks growth, sponges, weed and small invertebrates. It bears a lockable first dorsal fin spine. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Deep-bodied leatherjacket?

The Deep-bodied leatherjacket has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a marbled pattern. Beautiful mosaic pattern of blue and orange lines; filefish with a lockable dorsal fin spine.

Where does the Deep-bodied leatherjacket live?

The Deep-bodied leatherjacket lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Around southern Australia; deeper offshore reefs.

How big does the Deep-bodied leatherjacket get?

The Deep-bodied leatherjacket grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.

Is the Deep-bodied leatherjacket dangerous to humans?

No, the Deep-bodied leatherjacket is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Deep-bodied leatherjacket edible?

The Deep-bodied leatherjacket is rarely eaten.

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Deep-bodied leatherjacket?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Deep-bodied leatherjacket is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →

All data

Identification

English name
Deep-bodied leatherjacket verified
Scientific name
Eubalichthys mosaicus
Family
Monacanthidae
Other names
Dinnerplate leatherjacket; Leather jacket; Mosaic leatherjacket verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
60.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
140.0 verified
Natural range
Around southern Australia; deeper offshore reefs. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Biofilm, sponges, seaweeds and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Beautiful mosaic pattern of blue and orange lines; filefish with a lockable dorsal fin spine. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
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 sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Eubalichthys

More from the family Monacanthidae

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Deep-bodied leatherjacket?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Deep-bodied leatherjacket is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →
Is this the Deep-bodied leatherjacket? Get the app