Queensland State Archives posted a photo:
Artwork by George Coates.
The leatherjacket is a strange looking species of fish that is often encoutered as a by catch whilst fishing for other popular in-shore species such as bream and whiting. There are many varieties of leatherjacket found throughout Australia with most proving to posses very good eating qualities making them one of the most popular species available today.
Most smaller leatherjacket species prefer estuary and harbour habitats with plenty of weed and reef cover. Larger species are more likely encountered in offshore waters ranging from 5 – 500 meters in depth. Wharves, rock walls, jetties and wrecks are always a great place to find leatherjacket as they shelter from predators and feed on the many food sources found in the area.
All leatherjacket species, as their name suggests, have no scales and are covered in a leather like skin or ‘jacket’. A large proportion of