Opistognathus microspilus
Opistognathus microspilus Smith-Vaniz, 2023
Smallspot jawfish

Family:  Opistognathidae (Jawfishes)
Max. size:  5.37 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 300 m
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific: Taiwan.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; 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 with no flexible lamina posteriorly, extending about 0.7 eye diameters behind posterior margin of orbit; D XI, 11; A II, 10; vertebrae 10+16; lateral-line terminus below dorsal-fin spines X-XI; a single black spot, approximately diameter of pupil, centered between spines 6-7, dark stripe on basal fourth of dorsal fin for its entire length and no blotches on dorsum along dorsal-fin base. (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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