| Family: |
Opistognathidae (Jawfishes) |
| Max. size: |
13 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 8 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: southern Florida, USA and Bahamas to Central America, West Indies and Caribbean Islands. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-15; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 15-15. Black spot in the dorsal fin is in the lower half of the fin and is usually located between the 6th and 9th spines; there is some brown pigment at the corner of the mouth but no black and white bands inside the maxilla (Ref. 13442). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits an elaborate burrow, often fairly deep (12 inches), and with a terminal chamber; the vertical shaft lined with coral and shell fragments. An oral brooder (Ref. 5521). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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