Animal Species:Papuan Jawfish, Opistognathus papuensis Bleeker, 1868

The Papuan Jawfish can be recognised by its colouration. The species is known from Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Papuan Jawfish, Opistognathus papuensis

Papuan Jawfish, Opistognathus papuensis
M. Calcutt © M. Calcutt

Alternative Name/s

Speckled Pug

Identification

The Papuan Jawfish can be recognised by its colouration. It is light tan to brown with black blotches and dashes on the head, body and fins. Spoke-like dashes radiate from the eyes. There is a large brown to black blotch under and above the pectoral fin.

Size range

The species grows to 40 cm in length.

Distribution

The species is known from Papua New Guinea and Australia. In Australia it occurs from north-western Western Australia, around the tropical north to north-eastern Queensland.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information.  Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Opistognathus papuensis

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Papuan Jawfish specimens in the Australian Museum.

What does this mean?

Classification

Species:
papuensis
Genus:
Opistognathus
Family:
Opistognathidae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  2. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags Fishes, Ichthyology, Papuan Jawfish, Opistognathus papuensis, Opistognathidae, orange, brown, odd-shaped, 30 cm - 1 m, dots/spots, marine, adult, bulbous eyes, distinguishing fin,