Home > Fishes > Knifejaws

Family Oplegnathidae

Knifejaws

Knifejaws are large deep-bodied fish with parrot-like jaws which feed primarily at night on shellfish.  During the day they can be found under ledges.  Two species occur in Hawai'i but prefer cooler waters of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.  They are popular food and sport fish in Japan.

 

EAST ASIA / HAWAII

Oplegnathus fasciatus

BARRED KNIFEJAW    Ishidai

 

Oplegnathus punctatus

SPOTTED KNIFEJAW    Ishigakidai

 

Oplegnathus fasciatus x punctatus

HYBRID