Fan-Bellied Leatherjacket

Monacanthus chinensis

Fan-Bellied Leatherjacket

A leatherjacket of estuaries, weed beds and silty reefs, this fish wears a rough sandpaper skin and a fan of skin that can be flared from its belly. It is an omnivore that browses seagrass and algae along with shrimps, amphipods and other small invertebrates, reaching about 38 centimetres down to 50 metres.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Tetraodontiformes › Monacanthidae › Monacanthus

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 276256.

FAQ

How deep does the Fan-Bellied Leatherjacket live?
The Fan-Bellied Leatherjacket (Monacanthus chinensis) is typically found at 5–50 m.
Is the Fan-Bellied Leatherjacket dangerous to divers?
The Fan-Bellied Leatherjacket is harmless to divers.
How big does the Fan-Bellied Leatherjacket get?
The Fan-Bellied Leatherjacket grows to about 38 cm.