Fan Bellied Leatherjacket
The fan-bellied leatherjacket, Monacanthus chinensis, is a marine fish found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly from Malaysia and Indonesia to Samoa and northern Australia. Known for its distinctive body shape and leathery skin, it inhabits estuaries and coastal reefs. This species is significant in minor commercial fisheries and often found on muddy or silty substrates.
Weight~20 (max 40)
WaterSalt
Water Temp18-27° F
Depth50 ft
- Other namesFantail leatherjacket
- Weight~20 (max 40)
- WaterSalt
- Water Temp18-27° F
- Depth50 ft
Popular lures for Fan Bellied Leatherjacket
Regulation for Fan Bellied Leatherjacket
- SeasonAlways open
- Bag limit20
- Vessel limit-
- Trophy limits-
- Max size-
- Min sizeNo
- Measurement-
- Prohibited methods-
Living Conditions
🐟 Habitat preferences
- Fan-bellied leatherjackets inhabit estuaries, coastal reefs, and trawling grounds
- They prefer muddy or silty substrates and are often found among seaweed
- Their diet includes seagrass, algae, amphipods, shrimps, and various small marine organisms
- Juveniles are commonly found in protected areas with abundant vegetation
♻️ Life cycle and mating behavior
- Reproduction involves laying eggs in sheltered, vegetated areas
- Eggs are adhesive and attach to substrates where they develop
- Juveniles grow in shallow, protected habitats before moving to deeper waters
- These fish exhibit strong site fidelity, often staying in the same area throughout their life