Family Oplegnathidae
Knifejaws
| These robust fishes from Japan have parrot-like jaws and feed at night upon shelled invertebrates. During the day they can be found in holes and under ledges at scuba depths. Two species occur in Hawaii but the population is centered in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. |
Oplegnathus fasciatus
Juvenile, Fish Hole, Midway, 45 feet |
Pitt Stop, Midway, 50 feet |
Pitt Stop, Midway, 50 feet |
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BARRED KNIFEJAW Ishidai
| Alternating bars of light and dark gray especially when young. Large adults tend to be charcoal gray with thick black skin on face. Rare around the main islands and uncommon at Midway in shallow water. Attains at least 15 inches; solitary. Very rare hybrid has a few gray reticulations on charcoal body with black face. Common in Japan. |
Oplegnathus punctatus
Juvenile, Fish Hole, Midway, 45 feet |
Peek-a-boo, Midway Atoll, 45 feet |
SPOTTED KNIFEJAW Ishigakidai
| Silver body with black 'puzzle pieces' when young. Adults are dull silver to gray with black splashes and thick bluish-white skin on face. Rare around the main islands but frequent in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Attains at least 28 inches; occurs in small groups. Very rare hybrid has a few gray reticulations on charcoal body with black face. Uncommon in Japan. |
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