Oplegnathus punctatus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844)
Spotted knifejaw
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Oplegnathidae (Knifejaws)
Max. size:  86 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 12 kg
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 135 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Central Honshu, Japan to the South China Sea (Ref. 559). Also known from Hawaii (Ref. 7490). Reported in Norfolk Island (Ref. 89275).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-13
Biology:  Inhabit rocky and coral reefs. Juveniles associate with drifting seaweed (Ref. 12114, 12115, 58302). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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