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Opistognathus asper Smith-Vaniz, 2023 Ashmore jawfish |
| Family: | Opistognathidae (Jawfishes) | |||
| Max. size: | 5.02 cm SL (female) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range - 95 m | |||
| Distribution: | Eastern Indian Ocean: Australia. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 10-10; Vertebrae: 26-26. This species is distinguished by the following characters: rigid upper jaw lacking flexible lamina posteriorly and extending about 0.7 eye diameters behind posterior margin of orbit; infraorbitals are relatively slender and tubular, third infraorbital with short posterolateral projecting arm ending with large sensory canal opening, no suborbital shelf; D XI,11-12; A II,10; vertebrae 10+16; total gill rakers 32-34; tips of the dorsal-fin spines with conspicuous pale tabs; dorsum with a row of 5 dark blotches that extend distinctly onto the dorsal fin; the last blotch on dorsal fin at least as wide as anterior blotches; scale rows on the body appear to form series of narrow dark stripes (Ref. 128653). | |||
| Biology: | ||||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 17 September 2024 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||