Opistognathus fossoris Bussing & Lavenberg, 2003

Family:  Opistognathidae (Jawfishes)
Max. size:  9.42 cm SL (male/unsexed); 9.2 cm SL (female)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 12 - 32 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Mexico.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-17; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 15-17; Vertebrae: 28-28. This robust species is of moderate size (4.8-9.4 cm SL) possess the following set of features: upper jaw sexually dimorphic, longer in adult males; a black stripe on the inner lining of maxilla and adjacent membranes; D 15-17, A III; 21-24 gill rakers on lower limb of first arch; multifid nasal cirrus in adults; upper margin of subopercle is extended dorsally as a broad membranous flap; presence of a small black spot at tip of first and second dorsal-fin spines, no ocellated dorsal-fin spot (except in juveniles); body with 6 wide brown bars, usually discontinuous with corresponding markings on dorsal fin, but not below midline; 17 (rarely) or 18 caudal vertebrae (Ref. 75633).
Biology:  Specimens collected with ichthyocides (Ref. 75633).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 May 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Type locality, Bay on SW side of Isla San José (Isla Cayo), SIO 65-260 (holotype of Opistognathus fossoris, 8.95 cm SL, male). Known from Southern Gulf of California between Santa Cruz Island and the tip of Baja California Sur (Ref. 75633).


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