Acanthaluteres spilomelanurus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)

Taxonomic Classification

Acanthaluteres spilomelanurus, commonly known as the bridled leatherjacket, is a species of fish belonging to the family Monacanthidae in the order Tetraodontiformes.

Maximum Size

This species reaches a maximum total length of 14 cm.

Geographic Distribution

Acanthaluteres spilomelanurus is distributed across Australian coastal waters, ranging between the shores of Perth and Sydney, along the coast of Tasmania.

Primary Habitat Types

The small fish inhabits estuaries, willow-like Sargassum seagrass beds, and dense Sargassum seaweed stands, where it finds shelter and grazes in brackish, subtropical waters.

Depth and Temperature Range

It is generally recorded at depths of 0 to 15 meters, in seawater temperatures ranging from 10.2 to 22.6 degrees Celsius.

Social Behavior

It prefers shallow vegetated zones, where it forms large schools or swims in pairs over extensive seagrass beds.

Habitat Adaptability

While its preferred habitats are soft-bottomed areas with dense vegetation, it has also been recorded on rocky reefs, showing its broader adaptability and wider ecological niche. Its occupation of a broad range of coastal inshore habitats demonstrates its ability to adapt to dynamic coastal ecosystems.

Conservation Relevance

However, because the species relies on vulnerable seagrass and algal habitats, it warrants consideration for conservation protection.

Distribution Summary

This species is found in Australia, ranging from Perth to Sydney.