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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
Range
North America: Mexico

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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. North America: Mexico

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. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Bluespotted jawfish (Opistognathus rosenblatti) — Opistognathidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Arturo Velasco, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bluespotted jawfish (Opistognathus rosenblatti) — Opistognathidae — 3
Dwight Baker (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Bluespotted jawfish (Opistognathus rosenblatti) — Opistognathidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Dwight Baker, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bluespotted jawfish (Opistognathus rosenblatti) — Opistognathidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Arturo Velasco, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

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
Natural range
North America: Mexico sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. 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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