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Largescale leatherjacket (Cantheschenia grandisquamis) — Monacanthidae

Largescale leatherjacket

Cantheschenia grandisquamis
Family: Monacanthidae

The Largescale leatherjacket (Cantheschenia grandisquamis) is a saltwater fish of the family Monacanthidae that grows up to 26 cm.

Length
26 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–29.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The largescale leatherjacket is a filefish (Monacanthidae) from temperate coastal waters of Australia. The species grows to about 26 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, grey-brown body with conspicuously large, rough scale plates and an erectable first dorsal spine. It lives on rocky reefs and seagrass bottoms and eats weed, sponges and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Largescale leatherjacket?

The Largescale leatherjacket has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Largescale leatherjacket live?

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

How big does the Largescale leatherjacket get?

The Largescale leatherjacket grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.

Is the Largescale leatherjacket dangerous to humans?

No, the Largescale 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.

More photos

Largescale leatherjacket (Cantheschenia grandisquamis) — Monacanthidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Malcolm Francis, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Largescale leatherjacket (Cantheschenia grandisquamis) — Monacanthidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Peter, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Largescale leatherjacket (Cantheschenia grandisquamis) — Monacanthidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Harry Rosenthal, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Largescale leatherjacket sourced
Scientific name
Cantheschenia grandisquamis
Family
Monacanthidae
Other names
Large-scaled leatherjacket verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
26.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
29.0 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

More from the family Monacanthidae

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