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Family Opistognathidae - Jawfishes

Order:

Perciformes

Class:

Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)

No. of Genera:

No. of Species:

Environment:

Fresh: No Brackish: No Marine: Yes

Aquarium:

some

First Fossil Record:

Ref.:

Remark:

Distribution: western and central Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific (Gulf of California to Panama). Large-mouthed. Cycloid scales with head naked. Pelvic fins more anterior than pectorals; 1 spine, 5 soft rays (inner 3 weak and branched, outer 2 stout and unbranched). Continuous dorsal fin 9-12 spines. High lateral line running along dorsal, terminating at the middle of dorsal fin (a species with both ventral and dorsal lateral lines). Palatine toothless. Species of Stalix with transversly forked anterior spines in dorsal fin. Mostly small fishes with enlarged head and mouth and narrow tapering body. Live in burrows in sand which they enter tail-first. Feed on benthic and planktonic invertebrates. Mouthbrooders.

Etymology:

Greek, opisthe = behind + Greek, gnathos = jaw ( Ref. 45335).

Division:

Marine

Reproductive guild:

bearers

Main Ref.:

Nelson, J.S..1994

Coordinator:

Show species | Nominal species list for Opistognathidae | Identification keys | CAS specimen photos | References

Update \| Add new Family	Ref.:				Glossary
		( e.g. 9948)				( e.g. cephalopods)