Genus Leptachirus

Members of the genus Leptachirus are found in freshwater or estuarine habitats in southern New Guinea and northern Australia. They differ from species in the closely-related marine genus Aseraggodes in having a more slender body, (depth 2.7-3.55 in SL), the corner of its jaws exposed on the cheek, usually 3 or 4 pelvic rays, shorter pelvic fins, each usually with 3 or 4 rays, and different pattern of its cephalic lateralis sensory system (Randall 2007).

Type species: Leptachirus alleni Randall 2007.

Leptachirus is from the Greek leptos meaning thin, and Achirus Lacepède, a genus of soles, in reference to the thin and slender body of members of this genus.