Opistognathus signatus Smith-Vaniz, 1997

Family:  Opistognathidae (Jawfishes)
Max. size:  8.91 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 27 - 68 m
Distribution:  Western Central Atlantic: Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-17; Anal spines: 2-3; Anal soft rays: 16-17; Vertebrae: 29-30. Anterior nostril a short tube 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 whit 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 19 or 20, usually 20 (Ref. 26893).
Biology:  Known only from coastal waters (Ref. 26893).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 August 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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