---
title: Jawfishes (Opistognathidae)
scientific_name: Opistognathidae
common_name: Jawfishes
rank: Family
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-03T21:01:45.020Z
tags: Jawfishes, Opistognathidae, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/jawfishes
---

# Jawfishes (*Opistognathidae*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Family
- **Scientific name:** Opistognathidae
- **Body shape:** Elongate - Long and slender, but still fish-shaped - trumpetfishes, needlefishes, cornetfishes.
- **Species listed here:** 3

## How to recognise this group

- elongate body, moderately compressed
- very large mouth extending past the eye
- hovers vertically above a self-made burrow
- burrow reinforced with small stones or shells
- rapid retreat into burrow when disturbed

Jawfishes possess elongated, moderately compressed bodies and notably large mouths that extend well behind the eye, a characteristic reflected in their scientific name, meaning "posterior jaw". Their coloration is typically cryptic, ranging from pale sandy hues to mottled browns and greys that provide camouflage against the seabed. Most species observed by divers range from 5 cm to 20 cm (2-8 in) in length.

These fish inhabit sandy or rubble seabeds on shallow to moderate reef flats and slopes, typically at depths of 3 m to 70 m (10-230 ft). Each individual excavates a vertical burrow, reinforcing the entrance with small stones, shells, or coral fragments. Jawfishes generally hover head-up above their burrow, feeding on zooplankton and small benthic invertebrates. When disturbed, they retreat rapidly into their shelter. Some species are known for mouthbrooding, with males incubating the eggs in their mouths.


## Species (3)

- [Blackedged Jawfish (Opistognathus nigromarginatus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/jawfishes/blackedged-jawfish)
- [Blotched Jawfish (Stalix davidsheni)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/jawfishes/blotched-jawfish)
- [Tailbeacon Jawfish (Opistognathus dipharus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/jawfishes/tailbeacon-jawfish)

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/jawfishes)*
*Updated: August 3, 2026*