Opistognathus aurifrons

(Jordan & Thompson, 1905)

Vernacular names
English : Yellowhead jawfish
French : Marionnette tête d’or

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Ovalentaria i. s. (sometimes still Perciformes)
Family : Opistognathidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a maximum length of 10 cm. Cylindrical body, short squarish head with large mouth and big eyes. Coloration is ashy white with distinct yellow tinge on face. Blackish spot under the chin.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the western Atlantic Ocean, from south Florida to Bahamas, south to Barbados and northern South America. Lives in sandy areas close to coral reefs, at depths down to 40 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species isn’t currently threatened and is even locally abundant, especially around Cuba and Jamaica. Targeted by aquarium trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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