Harlequin Filefish (Oxymonacanthus longirostris)

Also known as Beaked Leatherjacket, Beaked Leatherjacket Filefish, Coral Filefish, Leatherjacket, Longnose Filefish, Long-nosed Filefish, Orangespot Filefish, Orange-spotted Filefish

Description

Also known as Beaked Leatherjacket, Beaked Leatherjacket Filefish, Coral Filefish, Leatherjacket, Longnose Filefish, Long-nosed Filefish, Orangespot Filefish, Orange-spotted Filefish.

Found in pairs or small schools, in the arms of branching corals, over lagoons and seaward reefs.
They feed exclusively on Acropora polyps.
Length - 10cm
Depth - 1-30m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

Filefish can alter their colour and pattern to match their surrounds and so deter predators.
Although closely related to the Triggerfish, their "trigger spine" cannot be locked into place. Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Oxymonacanthus-longirostris.html

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