Scientific Name
Opistognathus verecundus
Common Name
Bashful jawfish
Biology
Dorsal
spines
(total): 10 - 11;
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 14-15;
Anal
spines: 3;
Anal
soft rays: 13 - 15;
Vertebrae: 28. This species is distinct with having D X-XI, 14 or 15 (typically XI, 14); upper jaw sexually dimorphic with flexible lamina posteriorly, end of maxilla slightly rounded in females becoming increasingly elongate and scimitar-shaped in adult males; 39-54 oblique scale rows in longitudinal series; 23-26 total gill-rakers on first arch; a single brownish spot, if present, between spines 2-4 of spinous dorsal fin (Ref. 76827).