Blacklined Leatherjacket

Pervagor nigrolineatus

The Blacklined Leatherjacket is a small reef fish found in the Western Pacific, from Japan to Western Australia and the Solomon Islands. It inhabits lagoon and protected seaward reefs, often in silty conditions, and can sometimes be found hiding deep inside branching corals. This species is typically solitary and secretive, making it a challenge to spot during dives. The fish has a distinctive appearance with a dark brownish-green to grayish-green head and back, while the lower portions of its body are noticeably whitish. Its iris ranges from dark brown to pale orange, and it has dark brown lips. The caudal fin membranes are usually orange at the front and dusky at the back, with other fins being clear. The Blacklined Leatherjacket can grow up to 10 cm in length, and its body is short and deep with a compressed cross-section. Divers encountering the Blacklined Leatherjacket may find it in depths ranging from 8 to 25 meters, although it is more commonly found shallower than 20 meters. The species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, and it is considered harmless to humans.