Opistognathus dipharus Smith-Vaniz, 2010
Tail beacon jawfish
Opistognathus dipharus
photo by Smith-Vaniz, W.F./SAIAB

Family:  Opistognathidae (Jawfishes)
Max. size:  4.72 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 3 - 23 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: southern Red Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-15; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 16-16; Vertebrae: 29-29. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: with a rigid upper jaw lacking flexible lamina posteriorly, extending 0.9 eye diameters behind posterior margin of orbit; infraorbitals are moderately robust with large sensory canal openings, the third infraorbital with moderate suborbital shelf; D XI,15; A III,16; vertebrae 10+19; scale rows in horizontal series about 63-64; lateral-line terminus is below segmented dorsal-fin rays 6 or 7. Colouration: caudal fin with a pair of conspicuous oblong, pale, basicaudal spots against dark background; inner lining of upper jaw and adjacent membranes with posterior black blotch that is externally visible; head and body various shades of brown, with darker mid-lateral stripe with irregular margins (Ref. 128653).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 19 July 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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