WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Variable Jawfish

Opistognathus variabilis

Also known as: Variegated Jawfish

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2016
Adult
@fishx6 · Lembeth Resort, Indonesia · June 20061 / 2
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Overview

Found singly, with just the head showing, in rock lined burrows, on rubble and sandy areas of reefs.
They feed mainly on benthic invertebrates.

Geograpical variations in colour.

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 · Indo-West Pacific
  • Country only · 2
LIVES IN

Found singly, with just the head showing, in rock lined burrows, on rubble and sandy areas of reefs.

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Adult photos 2

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Discussion

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    ALL STAGES
    FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

    Deep dive

    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumChordata
    3. classTeleostei
    4. orderOvalentaria incertae sedis
    5. familyOpistognathidae
    6. genusOpistognathus
    7. speciesOpistognathus variabilis Smith-Vaniz, 2009

    SourcesWoRMSFishBase

    06

    More in the family

    Jawfishes (Opistognathidae)