Family: OPISTOGNATHIDAE, Jawfishes

FAMILY OPISTOGNATHIDAE

JAWFISHES

Small to medium sized fishes (3-50 cm), with narrow tapering bodies; an enlarged, bulbous head and a large mouth; eyes large, high on head; dorsal fin continuous, IX-XII spines, no notch between spines and rays; dorsal and anal fins with long bases; pelvic fins I, 5, outer 2 rays stout and unbranched, inner 3 rays weaker and branched, fin base before the pectoral; tail fin round to long and pointed; lateral line high on side, ends under the middle of the dorsal fin; scales smooth, on body only.

Jawfishes construct elaborate burrows by scooping sand or small stones with the mouth and can shift larger rocks by using their powerful jaws. The burrows are frequently lined and reinforced with pebbles and shell fragments. These fishes exhibit the unusual habit of oral egg incubation. They feed chiefly on benthic and planktonic invertebrates.