WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Moustache Jawfish

Opistognathus lonchurus

Also known as: Blackcap Jawfish, Sailfin Jawfish

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2015
Adult
@Kayla · Key west, United States · August 20191 / 1
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Overview

Found singly, with just the head showing, in rock lined burrows, over rubble and sandy bottoms, close to reefs.
They feed mainly on benthic and planktonic invertebrates.

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

COLOURS
Head & Mouth
big mouth

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

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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 rock lined burrows, over rubble and sandy bottoms, close to reefs.

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Adult photos 1

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Discussion

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    ALL STAGES
    FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

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    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumChordata
    3. classTeleostei
    4. orderOvalentaria incertae sedis
    5. familyOpistognathidae
    6. genusOpistognathus
    7. speciesOpistognathus lonchurus Jordan & Gilbert, 1882

    SourcesWoRMSFishBase

    06

    More in the family

    Jawfishes (Opistognathidae)