#pygmy leatherjacket

[fishstims]

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[sitting-on-me-bum]

Patterened Safe Haven

In the cold, dark of night mid-winter waters of Port Phillip Bay, I decided to go in search of small creatures that may be living on sessile invertebrates. On examining a Ladder Ascidian, I found this Pygmy Leatherjacket of approximately 20mm, its highly compressed body with cryptic pattern of ocelli matching perfectly to its host. Most often I have seen these timid fish residing close to similarly coloured sargassum seaweeds, so this was a special sighting for me.

By Imogen Manins

Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest

[gloomywolfmushroom]

Have you heard of the

Pygmy Leatherjacket (Brachaluteres jacksonianus)?

These dainty little fish can be found in coastal waters located in Australia. Its habitat ranges from shallow beds of seagrass and areas of kelp in coastal bays.

They are quite small, and I mean small! Only getting to about 9 cm in length! Due to their small pectoral fins, large round caudal fin, long dorsal, and anal fin, they are not very strong swimmers. Their coloration can be yellow-brown to a dark green with small spots. This allows them to camouflage into the environment around them to avoid predators. The pygmy leatherjacket may not be a very fast swimmer but they are definitely manouverable.

Extra fact: They often sleep while attached by their mouth to seaweed fronds! Isn't that cute? :)

[animalworld]

PYGMY LEATHERJACKET (Brachaluteres jacksonianus)  ©Richard Ling

This Leatherjacket is highly variable in colour as this helps to camouflage and protect itself against predators. Colours may vary from a yellowish brown to a darkish green with white/pale yellow markings and small spots. It is often found in estauries and along coastal reefs.

Size: 10cm in length (Maximum)

Diet: Algae & sea grass

Fact Source: http://www.divearound.com.au/fish/Pygmy-Leatherjacket/411

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