Author: (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
FBname: Leatherjacket
Comments: Adults are found inshore, usually along sandy beaches, in bays and inlets.  They enter estuaries and fresh water, preferring turbid water.  They occur in schools, usually large and fast moving, often leaping out of the water.  Juveniles may float at the surface with tail bent and head down.  Adults feed on fishes and crustaceans.  The dorsal and anal spines are connected to venomous glands that can inflict painful wounds (Ref. 9283).  Venom glands were not visible however, and cannot be confirmed in the specimen according to Smith and Wheeler, 2006 (Ref. 57406).  Current information for this species as being dangerous need verification.   Juveniles have incisor-like outer teeth and serve as cleaners for other fish; as fish grow, their teeth become conical and their diet changes (Ref. 26938).  Marketed fresh and salted or dried but the flesh is not highly esteemed (Ref. 9283).