Student Stuff
Degen's Leatherjacket
Thamnaconus degeni (Regan, 1903)
A Degen's Leatherjacket, trawled in 1980 by the FRV Kapala at a depth of 60m, off the Tamar River, Tasmania.
Male Degen's Leatherjackets are recognised by the scattered blue spots, and the blue lines on the bases of the dorsal and anal fins. The background colour varies from pale off-white to dark brown. Females and juveniles are brown, sometimes with brown spots dorsally. They lack the blue markings of the male.
Degen's Leatherjacket is a schooling species which is often caught in commercial trawls. It is recorded in marine waters from Victoria to Western Australia.
This species grows to 30cm in length. It is listed in some publications as the Blue-finned Leatherjacket.
Further reading
- Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
- 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.
