General Description

Body very compressed, roughly circular in females and juveniles, oval in males; ventral flap small; tail base shallow without spines; dorsal spine above eye with small barbs; abdomen not inflatable. Adults usually blue to brown-grey with yellow spots and patches on side. Young fish yellow or pale grey, with horizontal blue lines or brown blotches on the side. To 60 cm.

Biology

These leatherjackets are reasonably common on deeper offshore reefs and trawling grounds, also in harbours and bays. Juveniles are frequently around piers and jetties, or under jellyfish.

Distribution

Southern Australia.

Habitat

Inshore and offshore reefs, in depths of 6-150 m.

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