The Yellow-finned Leatherjacket (Meuschenia trachylepis) is endemic to Australian waters. It is distributed in Australia from the waters of southern Queensland, along the entire New South Wales coastline into the eastern waters of Victoria. The Yellow-finned Leatherjacket is distinguished from other leatherjacket species by the patches on scribbles on the middle of it’s body and by the caudal fin pattern.
Juveniles can be found hiding in amongst kelp and seagrasses are generally bright green or a dusky brown in colour. Juveniles can be difficult to photograph as they are wary of divers and will stay hidden amongst the kelp or seagrasses until the diver passes. Adults can be found on coastal reefs or in sponge gardens, particularly sponge gardens that are found in estuarine environments. The Yellow-finned Leatherjacket grows to a maximum size of 40cm.
