jawfish

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Observe the aggressive social behavior of territorial perciform jawfish fighting over burrow proximity

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jawfish

fish

Also known as: Opistognathidae

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perciform
Annotated classification
Family Opistognathidae (jawfishes) Resemble Clinidae, but jaws large to huge, extending far past eye; dorsal fin long-based; spinous and soft portions continuous; anal fin long-based; body usually elongated, slender; eyes almost at anterior tip of head; pelvic fins below pectorals. About 78 species, mostly small, in shallow…
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Family Opistognathidae (jawfishes) Resemble Clinidae, but jaws large to huge, extending far past eye; dorsal fin long-based; spinous and soft portions continuous; anal fin long-based; body usually elongated, slender; eyes almost at anterior tip of head; pelvic fins below pectorals. About 78 species, mostly small, in shallow…
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perciform
Territorial activity
…approaching the burrow of a jawfish is usually greeted by a threatening pose of flared gill covers and erected fins. If one jawfish digs a burrow too close to that of another jawfish, posturing escalates into conflict. Gobies and blennies are also known for their marked territorial display; peck order…
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…approaching the burrow of a jawfish is usually greeted by a threatening pose of flared gill covers and erected fins. If one jawfish digs a burrow too close to that of another jawfish, posturing escalates into conflict. Gobies and blennies are also known for their marked territorial display; peck order…
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