Opistognathus crassus Smith-Vaniz, 2010
Stout jawfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Opistognathidae (Jawfishes)
Max. size:  3.55 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 35 - 35 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Maldive Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 10-10; Vertebrae: 26-26. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: rigid maxilla with no flexible lamina posteriorly; D XI,11; A II,10; tips of dorsal-fin spines conspicuously pale; dorsum with row of 5 dark blotches, some of which extend distinctly onto dorsal fin; last blotch on dorsal fin much narrower than anterior blotches (Ref. 85161).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 19 July 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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