Mottled jawfish
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit an elaborate burrow, often fairly deep (12 inches), and with a terminal chamber; the vertical shaft lined with coral and shell fragments. Males are oral brooders . Monogamous and always in home-ranging pairs, that is they do not defend an exclusive territory .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 15. Black spot in the dorsal fin is in the lower half of the fin and is usually located between the 6th and 9th spines; there is some brown pigment at the corner of the mouth but no black and white bands inside the maxilla .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Mottled jawfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Mottled jawfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Males incubate the eggs in the mouth .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 1 - 8 m . Tropical; 29°N - 10°N, 98°W - 59°W Central America, West Indies and Caribbean Islands.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Mottled jawfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 85 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Mottled jawfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opisthognathus maxillosus | Poey | 1860 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 24 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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