Opistognathus nigripinnis
Opistognathus nigripinnis Smith-Vaniz, 2023
Blackfin jawfish

Family:  Opistognathidae (Jawfishes)
Max. size:  3.4 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 16 m
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific: Japan.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-13; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 13-13; Vertebrae: 28-28. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: rigid upper jaw with no flexible lamina posteriorly, extending about 1.0 eye diameters behind posterior margin of orbit; D XI, 13; A II, 13; vertebrae 10+18; body with about 39 or 40 scale rows in horizontal series; total gill rakers on first arch 26; dorsal fin uniformly peppered with fine melanophores including a dark spot between spines 3-6; in life, background of body tan, sides with 5 or 6 narrow white zig-zag bands, anal and pelvic fins uniformly peppered with fine melanophores and caudal fin yellow (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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