Photo: Dr. Dwayne Meadows, NOAA/NMFS/OPR / Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
Oplegnathus punctatus
Spotted Knifejaw
Saltwater
About this species
A powerful reef fish with a fused parrot-like beak that crushes sea urchins and shellfish. Its silver body is scattered with dark spots, and old males often whiten around the mouth. A brutal, dogged fighter prized by rocky-shore anglers.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
3 – 60 m
Habitat Spots
ReefNearshoreOffshore
Fishing Methods
FloatBottom
Bait & Rig
Sea urchin, crab or shellfish on a strong hook fished tight to the reef.
Edibility & Taste
Firm, clean white flesh, excellent as sashimi in summer.
Similar Species
Told from barred knifejaw by dark spots instead of vertical bars.
Record Weight
7 kg