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Opistognathus whitehursti (Longley, 1927) Dusky jawfish |
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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 | |||