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Oman jawfish (Stalix omanensis) — Opistognathidae

Oman jawfish

Stalix omanensis

The Oman jawfish (Stalix omanensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Opistognathidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–73.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Oman

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Description

The Oman jawfish is a jawfish (Opistognathidae) from shallow sand and rubble water of the western Indian Ocean off Oman. The species grows to about 10 cm and has an elongate body with a large head, bulging eyes and a strikingly wide mouth. As a bottom-dweller it digs a vertical burrow with its mouth, which it reinforces with pebbles and guards; 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 Oman jawfish?

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

Where does the Oman jawfish live?

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

How big does the Oman jawfish get?

The Oman jawfish grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Oman jawfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Oman 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
Oman jawfish sourced
Scientific name
Stalix omanensis
Family
Opistognathidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.2 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)
73.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Oman 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 Stalix

More from the family Opistognathidae

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