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Bluespotted jawfish (Opistognathus rosenblatti) — Opistognathidae

Bluespotted jawfish

Opistognathus rosenblatti

The Bluespotted jawfish (Opistognathus rosenblatti) is a saltwater fish of the family Opistognathidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–12.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Bluespotted jawfish is a jawfish (Opistognathidae) from shallow sand and coral-rubble water of the Gulf of California in the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate body with a large head and very wide mouth. As a bottom-dweller it digs and occupies a vertical burrow reinforced with pebbles into which it darts when threatened. The male broods the eggs in his mouth. It snaps at passing plankton and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bluespotted jawfish?

The Bluespotted jawfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Bluespotted jawfish live?

The Bluespotted jawfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Bluespotted jawfish get?

The Bluespotted jawfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Bluespotted jawfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bluespotted jawfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Blauwstip-kaakvis sourced
English name
Bluespotted jawfish sourced
Scientific name
Opistognathus rosenblatti
Family
Opistognathidae
Other names
Blue-spotted jawfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
12.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Opistognathus

More from the family Opistognathidae

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