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Ovalentaria/misc (Various families in series Ovalentaria) >
Opistognathidae (Jawfishes)
Etymology: Opistognathus: Greek, opisthe = behind + Greek, gnathos = jaw (Ref. 45335); to the very elongate upper jaw of the type species of the genus, Opistognathus nigromarginatus (Ref. 128653); stigmosus: Name from Latin 'stigmosus' for full of marks, referring to the conspicuous, small dark spots on the head of this species.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; demersal; depth range 20 - 29 m (Ref. 76827). Tropical
Western Pacific: Australia.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 7.1 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 76827)
Short description
Identification keys | Morphology | Morphometrics
Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 18; Vertebrae: 33. This species is characterized by the following: D X,19; about 38-45 oblique scale rows in longitudinal series on the body; no scales anterolaterally forward of verticals from 5th to 7th dorsal-fin spines; longitudinal row of 7 or 8 large white spots on both sides of the lower half of the body, the largest with a dark brown border and covered by appressed pectoral fin; no vomerine teeth (Ref. 76827).
Body shape (shape guide): elongated.
Benthic species which occurs inshore; inhabits coral reef (Ref. 75154).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Smith-Vaniz, W.F., 2004. Descriptions of six new species of jawfishes (Opistognathidae: Opistognathus) from Australia. Rec. Aust. Mus. 56:209-224. (Ref. 76827)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
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