| Family: |
Opistognathidae (Jawfishes) |
| Max. size: |
6.44 cm SL (female) |
| Environment: |
demersal; marine; depth range 70 - 126 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Pacific: Loyalty Islands (New Caledonia). |
| 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 by the following characters: with a rigid upper jaw lacking flexible lamina posteriorly, extending about 0.6 eye diameters behind posterior margin of orbit; infraorbitals are relatively slender and tubular, third infraorbital with short posterolateral projecting arm ending with large sensory canal opening, no suborbital shelf; D XI,11; A II,10; vertebrae 10+16. Colouration: tips of dorsal-fin spines with conspicuous pale tabs; dorsum with a row of 5 dark blotches extending distinctly onto the dorsal fin; nape with a dark blotch slightly in front of dorsal-fin origin; last blotch on dorsal fin is distinctly narrower than anterior blotches; head with small dusky spots or blotches (Ref. 128653). |
| Biology: |
|
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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