Opistognathus brasiliensis Smith-Vaniz 1997

Anterior nostril a short tube with simple cirrus on posterior rim; posterior end of maxilla of adult males produced as a thin flexible lamina that usually extends beyond posterior margin of opercle; spinous dorsal fin with black spot encircled by a very narrow white ring; dorsal fin with 5 or 6 dusky bands that extend onto dorsum; adult males with inner lining of maxilla and adjacent membranes with 2 dark stripes, one stripe in females; pectoral fin uniformly pigmented, no black speckles proximally; buccal pigmentation consisting of a dark area widely surrounding esophageal opening except for a pale area posteriorly that continues between upper pharyngeal tooth patches; caudal vertebrae 8 (Ref. 26893).

Employ mouthbrooding to care for their young (Ref. 240).

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 15 - 16; Vertebrae: 28

Mouthbrooders (Ref. 240).