Anoptoplacus pygmaeus Smith-Vaniz, 2017
Pygmy jawfish
Anoptoplacus pygmaeus
photo by Schroeder, J. R.

Family:  Opistognathidae (Jawfishes)
Max. size:  2.25 cm SL (female)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 240 - 267 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Mexico.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 9-9; Vertebrae: 26-26. This miniature species is distinguished by the following reductive character states: laterosensory canal system of head and body is reduced; scale rows in longitudinal series 20-23, oblique; with low number of caudal-fin rays (14 segmented, middle 10 branched, 4 procurrent); A I, 9; dorsal-fin elements total 20-21; upper lip darkly pigmented and presence of a black stripe on basal third to fourth of dorsal fin (Ref. 114925).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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