Opistognathus leprocarus Smith-Vaniz, 1997
Roughcheek jawfish
photo by Schroeder, J. R.

Family:  Opistognathidae (Jawfishes)
Max. size:  8.12 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 165 - 308 m
Distribution:  Western Central Atlantic: known only from the Bahamas and the Lesser Antilles, including Anegada Passage, between Virgin Islands and Anguilla (ANSP 138563).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-12; Vertebrae: 26-26. Anterior nostril a short tube without cirrus on posterior rim; posterior end of maxilla rigid, without thin flexible lamina; opercle with prominent wedge-shaped dark blotch; buccal cavity and inner lining of maxilla and adjacent membranes immaculate; dorsal fin spines slender, straight, with rigid sharp tip; nape completely scaled; cheeks with 4 or 5 rows of scales; segmented anal fin rays 11 or 12; caudal vertebrae 16; pelvic fins elongate in adults 39-49% SL with tip of depressed fin extending posteriorly well past anal fin origin (Ref. 26893).
Biology:  Observed using shells and rubble to close their burrow opening (Ref. 26893).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 August 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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