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A long, blade-shaped, leather-skinned predator marked by a row of five or six dark silvery blotches along the lateral line. It strikes lures viciously and greyhounds across the surface when hooked, making it a favourite spinning and popping target in shallow Red Sea bays.
Coastal waters near reefs, flats and offshore islands
Shallow, clear flats and bay edges at first and last light, casting to feeding fish
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Medium outfit (15–30 lb); cast fast surface lures, or to feeding fish on flats and reef edges.
Cast a fast surface , or fly to queenfish chasing bait on shallow flats and reef edges.
Eating & safety
The first dorsal and anal spines can inflict a painful venomous sting, so handle the fish with care around the fins.
Stung or poisoned? First-aid steps →Best conditions: Shallow, clear flats and bay edges at first and last light, casting to feeding fish
Its 'leatherskin' nickname comes from tiny embedded scales that make the hide so tough it was once used like rough sandpaper.