Fin's Fish Guide
The Mottled jawfish (Opistognathus maxillosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Opistognathidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Western Atlantic and Caribbean; sand and rubble bottoms with self-dug tunnels.
Description
The mottled jawfish is a jawfish of the family Opistognathidae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a stocky body with a large head and a conspicuously large mouth. It inhabits a self-dug, often deep vertical burrow in sand and rubble bottoms, which it excavates with its mouth and reinforces with pebbles; when threatened it retreats into it in a flash. As a bottom searcher it picks small zooplankton and small invertebrates from the water and bottom. As a mouthbrooder the male broods the eggs in its mouth. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mottled jawfish?
The Mottled jawfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Uses its mouth to dig a deep tunnel reinforced with small stones; mouthbrooding male.
Where does the Mottled jawfish live?
The Mottled jawfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; sand and rubble bottoms with self-dug tunnels.
How big does the Mottled jawfish get?
The Mottled jawfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Mottled jawfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Mottled jawfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mottled jawfish edible?
The Mottled jawfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Opistognathus
More from the family Opistognathidae
Want the complete picture on the Mottled jawfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mottled jawfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.