Blackfin jawfish (Opistognathus nigripinnis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Opistognathidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 3.4 cm. With a trophic level of 3.2, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 13; Vertebrae: 28. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: rigid upper jaw with no flexible lamina posteriorly, extending about 1.0 eye diameters behind posterior margin of orbit; D XI, 13; A II, 13; vertebrae 10+18; body with about 39 or 40 scale rows in horizontal series; total gill rakers on first arch 26; dorsal fin uniformly peppered with fine melanophores including a dark spot between spines 3-6; in life, background of body tan, sides with 5 or 6 narrow white zig-zag bands, anal and pelvic fins uniformly peppered with fine melanophores and caudal fin yellow .: elongated; Cross section: compressed.
Behavioural data for Blackfin jawfish is currently being reviewed.
Marine; demersal; depth range ? - 16 m . Subtropical Northwest Pacific: Japan.
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