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The Beaked Leatherjacket (Oxymonacanthus longirostris) is also commonly referred to as the ‘Harlequin filefish’ or ‘Harlequin Leatherjacket’. 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. This species replaced by Oxymonacanthus halli in the Red Sea. This species is easily recognisable by its green coloured body which is covered in small yellow/orange spots. 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.
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