Beaked Leatherjacket

Ventral rudiment absent; bristles on caudal peduncle of males longer than others on body (Ref. 37816).Description: Characterized by green body color with 6-7 rows of orange spots; posterior caudal fin with black spot or bar; male with white-spotted black patch on pelvic flap; female with black coloration on flap, but lacks white spots; first dorsal spine shorter than snout, origin above posterior half of eye, folding into groove along back; long, tapering and tubular snout; rudiment, small and immovable pelvic fin; short and slightly rounded caudal fin; depth of body at origin of anal fin 3.1-3.3 in SL (Ref. 90102).

Aggression is used commonly in courtship. Spawning commences when after swimming together in different tufts, the female concentrates on just one and begins to thrust repeatedly and pause. The male follows suit nuzzling the female. The female then drops into the algae and spawns, while the male releases the sperm beside her. The pair then swims back to their territory (Ref. 46144). Monogamous mating is observed as both facultative and social (Ref. 52884).

Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 31 - 35; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 29 - 32

Occurs in clear lagoon and seaward reefs from 0.5 to at least 30 m. Found in pairs or small groups and nests near bases of dead corals, often on clumps of algae. Monogamous (Ref. 52884, 48637). Feeds exclusively on Acropora polyps and is therefore restricted to areas of abundant coral growth. Feeding takes place throughout the day becoming less towards the evening (Ref. 46144). Pairs are commonly encountered among branching or "tabletop" corals (Ref. 54301). Tend to have protruding snout and teeth that project from small mouth which permit them to snip off scleractinian coral polyps despite the surrounding calcareous armor (Ref. 59308).

Occurs in clear lagoon and seaward reefs from 0.5 to at least 30 m. Found in pairs or small groups and nests near bases of dead corals, often on clumps of algae. Monogamous (Ref. 52884, 48637). Feeds exclusively on Acropora polyps. Feeding takes place throughout the day becoming less towards the evening (Ref. 46144).

fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial