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Opistognathus maxillosus Poey, 1860 Mottled jawfish |
| Family: | Opistognathidae (Jawfishes) | |||
| Max. size: | 13 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 8 m | |||
| Distribution: | Western Atlantic: southern Florida, USA and Bahamas to Central America, West Indies and Caribbean Islands. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-15; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 15-15. Black spot in the dorsal fin is in the lower half of the fin and is usually located between the 6th and 9th spines; there is some brown pigment at the corner of the mouth but no black and white bands inside the maxilla (Ref. 13442). | |||
| Biology: | Inhabits an elaborate burrow, often fairly deep (12 inches), and with a terminal chamber; the vertical shaft lined with coral and shell fragments. An oral brooder (Ref. 5521). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||