Opistognathus robinsi Smith-Vaniz, 1997
Spotfin jawfish
photo by Marotta, D.

Family:  Opistognathidae (Jawfishes)
Max. size:  13.12 cm SL (male/unsexed); 11.01 cm SL (female)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 46 m
Distribution:  Western Central Atlantic: USA and the Bahamas.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-18; Anal spines: 2-3; Anal soft rays: 16-18; Vertebrae: 29-31. Anterior nostril a short tube with simple cirrus on posterior rim; posterior end of maxilla of adult males produced as a thin flexible lamina that usually extends beyond posterior margin of opercle; spinous dorsal fin with black spot encircled by broad white ring; adult males with inner lining of maxilla and adjacent membranes with prominent black stripe (stripe usually absent or light brown and poorly developed in females; buccal pigmentation consisting of a large dark area widely surrounding esophageal opening, including medial area between upper pharyngeal tooth patches; caudal vertebrae typically 20 (Ref. 26893).
Biology:  Continental species (Ref. 26893).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 August 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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