Leopard Jawfish
Opistognathus reticulatus
- Group: Other
- Max size: 50 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
A jawfish of coastal rubble and soft bottoms, it digs and maintains a burrow that it backs into tail first when threatened. The male broods the eggs in his mouth until they hatch, a habit shared across the family. It has been known to nip waders that stray too close, though it is otherwise no danger.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Ovalentaria incertae sedis › Opistognathidae › Opistognathus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 276472.
FAQ
- Is the Leopard Jawfish dangerous to divers?
- The Leopard Jawfish is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Leopard Jawfish get?
- The Leopard Jawfish grows to about 50 cm.