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Lemur jawfish (Lonchopisthus lemur) — Opistognathidae

Lemur jawfish

Lonchopisthus lemur

The Lemur jawfish (Lonchopisthus lemur) is a saltwater fish of the family Opistognathidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10.3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
149.0–275.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Puerto Rico, Venezuela

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Description

The lemur jawfish is a jawfish (Opistognathidae) from shallow sand and rubble water of the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate body with a large head, bulging eyes, a wide mouth and a long, pointed tail. As a bottom-dweller it digs a vertical burrow with its mouth, reinforces it with pebbles and guards it; from it it snaps at passing zooplankton. The male broods the eggs in his mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lemur jawfish?

The Lemur jawfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Lemur jawfish live?

The Lemur jawfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Puerto Rico, Venezuela

How big does the Lemur jawfish get?

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

Is the Lemur jawfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Lemur 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Lemur jawfish sourced
Scientific name
Lonchopisthus lemur
Family
Opistognathidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
149.0 verified
Max depth (m)
275.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Puerto Rico, Venezuela 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 Lonchopisthus

More from the family Opistognathidae

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