Black Reef Leatherjacket, Eubalichthys bucephalus (Whitley, 1931)

ANIMAL SPECIES:Black Reef Leatherjacket, Eubalichthys bucephalus (Whitley, 1931)

The Black Reef Leatherjacket is a very shy species, living on coastal and offshore reefs in temperate marine waters. They are usually seen in pairs.

Identification

The Black Reef Leatherjacket can be recognised by its brown to black body colour and white ring around the eyes. Juveniles are brown or green with spots which fade with growth. This species has a strong, barbed dorsal fin spine above the eyes.

Size range

The Black Reef Leatherjacket grows to 40 cm in length.

Distribution

The species is endemic to Australia, occurring in temperate marine waters from northern New South Wales to south-western Western Australia. It is not known from Tasmania.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Black Reef Leatherjacket specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It lives on coastal and offshore reefs in depths of 10 m to at least 250 m.

Behaviour and adaptations

Other behaviours and adaptations

It is often seen in pairs.

Classification

Species:: bucephalus
Genus:: Eubalichthys
Family:: Monacanthidae
Order:: Tetraodontiformes
Class:: Actinopterygii
Subphylum:: Vertebrata
Phylum:: Chordata
Kingdom:: Animalia

What does this mean?

References

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.

Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 24 September 2009

Share: