Spotted Knifejaw
Oplegnathus punctatus
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: 3–135 m
- Max size: 86 cm
- For divers: safe
This stout reef fish has a parrot like beak formed from fused teeth, strong enough to crunch the shelled animals it pries off rock and coral. The young shelter under drifting rafts of seaweed before settling onto reefs. Adults can reach close to nine kilograms in build and grow to nearly a metre.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Centrarchiformes › Oplegnathidae › Oplegnathus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 277894.
FAQ
- How deep does the Spotted Knifejaw live?
- The Spotted Knifejaw (Oplegnathus punctatus) is typically found at 3–135 m.
- Is the Spotted Knifejaw dangerous to divers?
- The Spotted Knifejaw is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Spotted Knifejaw get?
- The Spotted Knifejaw grows to about 86 cm.