Animal Species:Harlequin Smiler, Opistognathus eximius (Ogilby, 1908)

The Harlequin Smiler, like all the aptly named jawfishes has a very large mouth. In Australia it is known from central to southern Queensland.

Identification

The Harlequin Smiler is golden-yellow above and blue-purple below. There are blue-edged yellow spots on the sides and a deep blue blotch on the operculum. The dorsal fin has yellow stripes and the anal fin has yellow spots. The Harlequin Smiler, like all the aptly named jawfishes has a very large mouth.

Size range

The species grows to 40 cm in length.

Distribution

It occurs in tropical marine waters of the Western Central Pacific. In Australia it is known from central to southern 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 eximius

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Harlequin Smiler specimens in the Australian Museum.

What does this mean?

Classification

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

What does this mean?

References

  1. Grant, E.M. 1982. Guide to Fishes. The Department of Harbours and Marine, Brisbane, Queensland. Pp. 896.
  2. 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.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags Fishes, Ichthyology, Harlequin Smiler, Opistognathus eximius, Opistognathidae, gold, yellow, blue, purple, 30 cm - 1 m, marine, adult,