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Opistognathus helvolus Smith-Vaniz, 2023 Deep-water jawfish |
| Family: | Opistognathidae (Jawfishes) | |||
| Max. size: | 3.98 cm SL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | demersal; marine; depth range - 300 m | |||
| Distribution: | Western Central Pacific: New Caledonia. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 10-10; Vertebrae: 26-26. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: rigid upper jaw lacking flexible lamina posteriorly, extending about 0.4 eye diameters behind posterior margin of orbit; infraorbitals moderately slender and tubular, 3rd infraorbital much larger with short posterolateral projecting arm ending with sensory canal opening, suborbital shelf absent; nape and cheek scaly; D XI, 10; A II, 10; vertebrae 10+16; spinous dorsal fin with a prominent ocellus between spines 3-6; anal fins mostly yellow; body scales brown. (Ref. 128653). | |||
| Biology: | ||||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 17 September 2024 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||