Banded Jawfish
| Name: | Banded Jawfish |
| Scientific Name: | Opistognathus macrognathus |
| Family: | Jawfishes |
| Taxonomic: | Opistognathidae |
| ID Group: | Bottom Dwellers |
| Size: | 4 - 6.5 in. |
| Depth Range: | In shallow waters (0 – 15 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen very rarely |
This Jawfish has dark blotches along its body. Its upper dorsal fin shows a black spot, and its fins have fine black specks. Males have an elongated upper jaw, while females have shorter jaws. The inside of a male’s mouth is lined with black and white bands.
The Banded Jawfish lives in sandy or rocky areas and digs its own burrow. It often lines its entrance with small shell pieces or stones. Male fish carry eggs in their mouths until they hatch. It usually stays close to its burrow and hides quickly when threatened.