Robust jawfish
📖 Overview
This species is occasionally encountered in the fish market and its flesh is reported to be relatively good. It is taken incidentally in bottom trawls and by hook and line at 30-50 m .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 15. This species is distinguished by the following characters: short supramaxilla and mostly rigid maxilla with only a slight flexible lamina posteriorly; an ocellated spot on the dorsal fin, between third or fourth and eighth spines followed by two large, irregular, dark blotches that extend onto body, and a blackish streak on cheek bordering upper edge of maxilla; outermost segmented pelvic-fin ray is tightly bound to adjacent ray, with interradial membrane not incised distally or only slightly at tip (vs. interradial membrane deeply incised in all other Indo-Pacific Opistognathus . Black spot between 3rd and 8th dorsal fin spines, fin also with 2 large blotches that extend onto body; body and dorsal fin with spots and blotches bordered with pale blue .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Robust jawfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Robust jawfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Robust jawfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 15 - 50 m , usually 30 - 50 m . Tropical; 18°C - 24°C South Africa to the Persian Gulf, including Mahé Island, Seychelles (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Opistognathus Muscatensis 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
Detailed nutritional data for Robust jawfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Robust jawfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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