Variable jawfish

📖 Overview

Variable jawfish (Opistognathus variabilis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Opistognathidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in pelagic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 9.6 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 37 metres. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 14 - 16; Vertebrae: 28 - 30. This species is distinguished by the following characters: elongate supramaxilla and posterior end of maxilla produced as a thin flexible lamina, varying from moderate to well-developed; usually a single black stripe (well-developed in fish with elongate jaws but only slightly in those with relatively short jaws) at the inner lining of upper jaw and adjacent membranes; lateral-line ends below verticals between segmented dorsal-fin rays 3-6 (typically fourth or fifth); body with about 68-83 oblique scale rows; caudal vertebrae 19-20 (rarely 20), except only 18 in fish from northern Palawan. There are several color morphs that exist (geographic variations) .: elongated; Cross section: oval.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Variable jawfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; pelagic-neritic; depth range 0 - 37 m . Tropical West Pacific: from the eastern Indian Ocean (Maldive Islands and Sri Lanka) and throughout most of the central western Pacific, including the Ruykyu Islands and Palau.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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