Spinytail Leatherjacket

Acanthaluteres brownii

Spinytail Leatherjacket (Acanthaluteres brownii) is a small temperate sea leatherjacket from southern Australia, best known for its rough skin and very spiny tail region. It lives near reefs and seagrass beds and is not generally targeted by anglers.

Saltwater

Spinytail Leatherjacket reference image — Muséum national d'histoire naturelle, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Rough, leathery body with a laterally compressed oval shape
Spinytail region with prominent sharp caudal spines
Mottled brown to olive coloration with a small mouth and no large obvious scales

Habitat

Shallow coastal marine habitats, especially seagrass meadows, sheltered bays, and reef edges over sand or rubble in temperate southern Australia.

Bait notes

Rarely a targeted species; small pieces of shrimp, squid, or marine worm on light tackle may take one incidentally. Tiny soft plastics or small baited hooks near bottom structure are the most realistic options.

Behavior

Benthic and relatively sedentary, picking small invertebrates and algae from the bottom and cover. It relies on camouflage and spines for defense rather than speed.

Caution

Handle carefully: leatherjackets have very rough skin and sharp spines that can puncture fingers. Not a common table fish, and local regulations or bag limits may apply where retained as bycatch.

Fishing notes

Fish very light tackle close to seagrass, reef, or rubble in calm inshore water. Use small hooks and short casts; most captures will be by accident while targeting other small reef fishes.