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The upper jaw, or maxilla [12] [13] is a fusion of two bones along the palatal fissure that form the upper jaw. This is similar to the mandible (lower jaw), which is also a fusion of two halves at the mandibular symphysis. In bony fish, the maxilla is called the "upper maxilla," with the mandible being the "lower maxilla".
The species level taxonomy is complex and the family includes several undescribed species. Physically similar to blennies, most jawfish species are small fish (up to 10 cm or 3.9 in) with an elongated body plan. A few species, for example the aptly named giant jawfish (O. rhomaleus), reaches about 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in). Their heads, mouths, and ...
In all jawed fish (gnathostomes), the first arch pair (mandibular arches) develops into the jaw, the second gill arches (the hyoid arches) develop into the hyomandibular complex (which supports the back of the jaw and the front of the gill series), and the remaining posterior arches (simply called branchial arches) support the gills.
There are currently 72 recognized species in this genus: Opistognathus adelus Smith-Vaniz, 2010 (Obscure jawfish) [2] Opistognathus afer Smith-Vaniz, 2010 (African jawfish) [2] Opistognathus albicaudatus Smith-Vaniz, 2011 (White-tail jawfish) [3] Opistognathus alleni Smith-Vaniz, 2004 (Abrolhos jawfish)
The adult fish have an elongated snout-like face with a protruding jaw, while the larvae have a rounder shaped mouth and a lower jaw that does not protrude. [ 8 ] Additionally, members of this family have a unique head joint that contribute to its ability to open its 'loosejaw' so wide.
Out of the three fringehead species (Sarcastic, Onespot, and Yellowfin), the sarcastic fringehead is the most aggressive. [8] The jaw mechanics of Neoclinus blanchardi are similar to those of the extinct ichthyodectiform Dugaldia emmilta, indicating a shared evolutionary adaptation for maximizing mouth gape through lateral jaw movements.
The mudpuppy jaw is considered metaautostyly, like most amphibians, meaning the jaw is more stable and that the salamander has a dentary. [15] This affects their diet by limiting the flexibility of the jaw to take in larger prey. The mudpuppy has few predators which may include fish, crayfish, turtles, and water snakes. Fishermen also ...
Yellowhead jawfish have two different types of responses to intruders, flight or fight. The type of response depends on the type of incoming fish. During flight, the fish will swim away from the intruder and in go into their burrow, covering the opening with a large rock. During fight, the fish will spit sand or rocks at the intruder. [4]