Acanthaluteres spilomelanurus

Acanthaluteres spilomelanurus, the bridled leatherjacket, is a species of fish of the family Monacanthidae in the order of Tetraodontiformes. It can reach 14 cm in total length.^[1][2]

It is distributed between the coastal shores of Perth and Sydney and along the coast of Tasmania. The 14 cm maximum-length small fish is distributed in the estuaries, the beds of the Sargassum-willow-like seagrass beds, and the Sargassum-dense stands of the Sargassum seaweed in which it is shielded and is able to graze within the brackish and subtropical waters. Generally recorded at 0–15 meters deep and at 10.2 to 22.6 degrees of the temperature of the sea, it prefers the shallow vegetated zones where it schools in large numbers or in pairs over the large numbers of the seagrass beds. Though its optimum sites are the soft bottomed densely vegetated areas, its distribution is recorded to span the rocky reefs as well, further enhancing its adaptability and niche. Its occupation of this large distribution and habitat in the coastal inshore waters thus shows its adaptability in dynamic ecosystems despite the fact that its reliance on vulnerable seagrass and algal sites makes it deserving of consideration under protection.^[3][4][5][6]

It is found in Australia, from Perth to Sydney.

It is harmless to humans.

• Female (left), male (right)
• Congregation in Tasmania
• Showing size

• Acanthaluteres brownii
• Acanthaluteres vittiger