Leatherjacket

• Diamond shaped fish with brown leathery skin and extendable trigger above dorsal fin.  Can change colours in camouflage patterning depending on the mood.

   

• Scientific Name: Parika scaber
• Habitat: The Leatherjacket can be found as youngsters around weed in shallow water from November onwards. Larger fish can be caught by line around most N.Z. waters
• Temperament: Quite a peaceful fish in a mixed tank. Very easily tamed, but can nip if food not coming fast enough.
• Tank Age/Maturity: At least 6 months old and preferably 600 litres, when caught as 2.5cm youngsters can attain 10cm+ in their first year.
• Diet: Eats everything from flake food to mysid, partial to shellfish.
• Threatened Species: N/A
• Special Requirements: If chased in tank can wedge itself in rockwork by extending its trigger, will usually release if left alone. will eat sponges and invertebrates owing to their teeth arrangement.
• Endemic: N/A
• Size: 35cm