Chaetodermis penicilligerus (Cuvier, 1816)

Common Name and Size

Chaetodermis penicilligerus, commonly known as the prickly leather-jacket, is a medium-sized fish that reaches a maximum length of 31 cm (12 inches).

Body Shape and Head Features

Its body is highly laterally compressed and stocky, with a terminal mouth and a head that is large relative to the rest of its body.

Dermal Appendages

Dermal appendages, which form part of the fish’s camouflage system, are visible mostly along the body margin and also on its sides.

Body Coloration

The base body color is light brown or sand-colored, marked with dark longitudinal lines and blue-outlined blotches.

Dorsal Spines

This species has two erectile dorsal spines.

Fin Appearance

Its dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are translucent; only the fin rays are slightly darker and visible.

Distribution Range

The prickly leather-jacket is widely distributed across tropical waters from the Indian Ocean (including the Red Sea and Persian Gulf, excluding South Africa) to the central Pacific islands.