Opistognathus schrieri Smith-Vaniz, 2017
Curaçao jawfish
Opistognathus schrieri
photo by Randall, Z.S.

Family:  Opistognathidae (Jawfishes)
Max. size:  4.8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 152 m
Distribution:  Caribbean: Curaçao.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 13-13; Vertebrae: 28-28. This species is distinguished by the following characters: anterior nostril a simple tube without cirrus; maxilla truncate posteriorly with a slightly flexible lamina; large supramaxilla, triangular-shaped and terminally positioned; D X,13-14; A II,13; vertebrae 10+18; oblique scale rows in longitudinal series 47?50; coronoid (ascending) process of articular is hatchet-shaped with dorsal margin straight; a large ocellus on dorsal fin centered between spines 1-6, followed by four dark blotches with the posterior two larger and extending diagonally further onto the fin, all are separated by irregular narrow white stripes (Ref. 114925).
Biology:  Collected on a sand bed (Ref. 114925).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 09 October 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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