How to Identify Leatherjacket

To identify Leatherjacket (Oligoplites saurus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Silvery-blue to greenish-gray dorsally, fading to silvery-white ventrally. Often has several faint, dusky vertical bars or blotches along the flanks, particularly in juveniles. The fins are typically translucent or dusky.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Elongated, compressed body, Two separate dorsal fins, the first with 4-6 short, stout, venomous spines, Anal fin preceded by two detached, stout, venomous spines, Small, cycloid scales embedded in the skin, giving a 'leathery' feel, Large mouth extending to or beyond the posterior margin of the eye

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first is short with 4-6 venomous spines, the second is long with 1 spine and 19-21 soft rays. The anterior rays of the second dorsal fin are elevated.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Short and falcate (sickle-shaped) pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin similar in shape to the second dorsal fin, preceded by two detached, stout, venomous spines, followed by 1 spine and 19-22 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the distinctly elongated and compressed body, which is characteristic of the species.

2. 2

   Dorsal and Anal Spines

   Note the two separate dorsal fins and the two detached spines preceding the anal fin. These spines are venomous and should be handled with extreme care.

3. 3

   Scales

   Feel the skin; the small, embedded cycloid scales give it a smooth, leathery texture, hence the common name.

4. 4

   Mouth

   Observe the large mouth that extends to or beyond the eye, indicative of its predatory feeding habits.

5. 5

   Coloration

   Identify the silvery-blue to greenish-gray back and silvery-white belly, often with faint vertical bars.

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