Meuschenia scaber (Forster, 1801) Velvet leatherjacket |
photo by
Randall, J.E. |
Family: | Monacanthidae (Filefishes) | |||
Max. size: | 31 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
Environment: | demersal; marine; depth range 20 - 200 m | |||
Distribution: | Indo-West Pacific: New Zealand and Australia (southern Western Australia to New South Wales and Tasmania). | |||
Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 32-38; Anal soft rays: 31-36. Scales small with numerous tiny spinules, prominent first dorsal spine above eyes (Ref. 9002). | |||
Biology: | Inhabits rocky weedy areas from the shore to at least 60 m. Generally solitary but may aggregate in groups of 10-15 individuals in midwater. Feeds mainly on sessile and encrusting organisms, with sponges and ascidians predominating (Ref. 26966); also seen feeding mid-water on zooplankton and likes to bite diver's fingers (Ref. 9002). | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 17 July 2017 Ref. (130435) | |||
Threat to humans: | harmless |