Opistognathus whitehursti (Longley, 1927)
Dusky jawfish
photo by Macieira, R.M.

Family:  Opistognathidae (Jawfishes)
Max. size:  14 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 12 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: southern Florida, USA and Bahamas to northern South America.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-15; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 13-14. The dark spot (deep greenish blue in life) of the dorsal fin usually found between the 2nd and 4th or 5th dorsal spines; body densely mottled with dark brown and flecked with blackish; caudal fin and posterior part of dorsal fin are yellow with rows of small blackish spots (Ref. 13442).
Biology:  Inhabits rock and sand bottoms or the eroding edges of weed beds. Egg mass incubated in mouth of males (Ref. 5521).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 August 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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