27/07/2026
Paihia Dive Fish of the Week: Leatherjacket, kลkiri
Parika scaber
The Leatherjacket is one of New Zealand's most unusual-looking reef fish. With its tough, leathery skin, pointed snout, and unmistakable retractable dorsal spine, it's unlike almost any other fish you'll encounter beneath the waves.
Instead of scales, Leatherjackets are covered in thick, sandpaper-like skin that helps protect them from predators. Their common name comes from this tough outer covering, while their small mouths are equipped with powerful teeth designed for crushing hard-shelled prey.
Leatherjackets feed on sea urchins, crabs, shellfish, and other invertebrates, playing an important role in keeping reef ecosystems healthy. By feeding on kina, they help prevent overgrazing of kelp forests, making them an important part of New Zealand's underwater balance.
Their most distinctive feature is the strong spine on top of their head. When threatened, they can lock this spine upright, making it much harder for predators to swallow them or pull them from cracks in the reef. This clever defence has earned them the nickname "triggerfish's southern cousin," although they belong to a different family.
Leatherjackets are naturally curious and often seem unbothered by divers, sometimes swimming right up for a closer look before calmly continuing on their way. While they can be found around reefs throughout New Zealand, they're especially common around kelp forests, rocky outcrops, and wrecks in the Bay of Islands.
Next time you're diving with us, keep an eye out for their quirky swimming style and distinctive pointed face you might even have one come over to inspect you before disappearing back into the kelp!
Photos ๐ธ .r.johnston
