WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Mottled Jawfish

Opistognathus maxillosus

Also known as: - No other name

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2010
Adult
@amitch44 · Jibacoa, Cuba · December 20141 / 1
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Overview

Found singly with just the head showing, in coral and shell fragment lined vertical burrows, on rubble and sand areas of shallow coastal reefs.
They feed mainly on benthic and planktonic invertebrates.
Widespread Western Atlantic, Caribbean, Central America

Jawfish are usually found in self-constructed burrows with just the head showing waiting for their prey, they have huge mouths for the size of head.
After mating the males incubate the eggs in their mouths, the eggs are clumped together like a sticky ball!

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How to identify

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Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Western Atlantic, Caribbean
  • Country only · 1
LIVES IN

Found singly with just the head showing, in coral and shell fragment lined vertical burrows, on rubble and sand areas of shallow coastal reefs.

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Adult photos 1

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Discussion

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    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumChordata
    3. classTeleostei
    4. orderOvalentaria incertae sedis
    5. familyOpistognathidae
    6. genusOpistognathus
    7. speciesOpistognathus maxillosus Poey, 1860

    SourcesWoRMSFishBase

    06

    More in the family

    Jawfishes (Opistognathidae)