Opistognathus megalops
Opistognathus megalops Smith-Vaniz, 2023
Bigeye jawfish

Family:  Opistognathidae (Jawfishes)
Max. size:  8.8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 103 - 107 m
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific: Japan.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 11-11; Vertebrae: 26-26. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: elongate upper jaw extending to rear margin of preopercle (about 1.1 eye diameters behind posterior margin of orbit) and with large oval supramaxilla and flexible lamina posteriorly; infraorbitals moderately slender and tubular, 3rd infraorbital with posterolateral projecting arm ending with large sensory canal opening, suborbital shelf absent; D XI, 11; A II, 11; vertebrae 10+16; scale rows in horizontal series about 52 or 56; gill rakers 12+26; anal, caudal and pelvic fins mostly yellow and body with three purple stripes (Ref. 128653).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 17 September 2024 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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