Beaked Leatherjacket

The Beaked Leatherjacket (Oxymonacanthus longirostris) is also commonly referred to as the ‘Harlequin filefish’ or ‘Harlequin Leatherjacket’ others known them as Harlequin Filefish or Longnose Filefish. This small leatherjacket/filefish species is known to occur in the warm tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region and has been recorded in east Africa, Samoa, Ryukyu Islands, New Caledonia, Tonga and the east coast of Australia to southern Queensland mos of them are found in Mindanao, Philippines espicially int he islands of Davao City. This species replaced by Oxymonacanthus halli in the Red Sea. The Beaked Leatherjacket has a long snout with a small upturned mouth. The body profile above and below the snout is concave. The body is green with small dark-edged yellow to orange spots. There is a dark spot on the caudal fin. It can be found living on coral reefs and in lagoons from depths of 1 to 30 metres. It is generally found in pairs and can be found hiding in amongst coral branches. It is known to feed exclusively on Acropora polyps with feeding taking place throughout the day becoming less towards the evening. The Beaked Leatherjacket (Oxymonacanthus longirostris) grows to a maximum length of approximately 9cm Male and Female.