Yellowstriped Leatherjacket
Meuschenia flavolineata
Yellowstriped Leatherjacket is a small Australian leatherjacket with a laterally compressed body and bright yellow longitudinal striping. It is a reef- and seagrass-associated species; reliable angling information is limited, and it is more often encountered as a bycatch fish than a targeted gamefish.
Identification points
- Bold yellow to golden longitudinal stripes running along the sides
- Deep, flattened leatherjacket body with a small mouth and tough skin
- Small first dorsal spine above the head and a short, tapering tail fin
Habitat
Shallow coastal reefs, kelp beds, and seagrass or weed-covered areas, usually around structure in temperate marine waters of southern Australia.
Bait notes
Small strips of squid, prawn, marine worms, and tiny pieces of cut bait can take it; small soft plastics or bait-scented micro jigs may also work when foraging fish are present.
Behavior
Feeds on small benthic invertebrates and algae picked from reef and weed surfaces. It is typically a cautious, structure-oriented fish that stays close to cover.
Caution
Dorsal and anal spines can be sharp; handle carefully. Check local regulations, as leatherjackets are often size- and bag-limited in some Australian fisheries.
Fishing notes
Fish light tackle near reef edges, weed beds, and around jetties or rock ledges. Use small hooks, minimal weight, and a slow presentation close to the bottom; this is generally a bycatch species rather than a primary target.