Opistognathus erdmanni Smith-Vaniz, 2023
Erdmann's jawfish

Family:  Opistognathidae (Jawfishes)
Max. size:  3.88 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 50 - 55 m
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: Myanmar.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 10-11; Vertebrae: 26-26. This species is distinguished by the following characters: with a rigid upper jaw lacking flexible lamina posteriorly, extending about 0.7-1.1 eye diameters behind posterior margin of orbit; infraorbitals are moderately slender and tubular third infraorbital with short posterolateral projecting arm ending in sensory canal opening, no suborbital shelf; D XI,11; A II,10–11; vertebrae 10+16; scale rows in horizontal series about 37-40; no supraneurals. Colouration: the scale rows on body appearing to form a series of narrow stripes; dorsum with 5 dark blotches, with those below spinous dorsal fin extending only slightly on to fin (Ref. 128653).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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