Opistognathus longinaris Smith-Vaniz, 2010
Long nostril jawfish
photo by South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity

Family:  Opistognathidae (Jawfishes)
Max. size:  4.1 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range - 65 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: known only from off kwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20-20; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 19-19; Vertebrae: 34-34. This species is characterized by the following set of characters: maxilla rigid without flexible lamina posteriorly; D X,20; tentacle on anterior nostril at least 4 times maximum diameter of posterior nostril; oral membrane between dentaries and ‘tongue’ dark brown (Ref. 85161).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 19 July 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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