Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

---

Common name: barred knifejaw

Synonyms and Other Names: Western Pacific barred knifejaw

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: The barred knifejaw has a deep, strongly compressed body with seven distinct black vertical bands, the first band is through the eye, and a caudal fin is edged in black (Jordan and Fowler 1902). Large adult males differ from juveniles and females in that they have a black snout without the vertical bars on the body (Masuda et al. 1984). The teeth in each jaw are fused, together forming a sharp beak (Masuda et al. 1984).

Size: Up to 80 cm TL (Masuda et al. 1984)

Native Range: This species is found in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean and is endemic to Japan, the Ogasawara Islands, and the Hawaiian Islands (Mundy 2005).

Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: In Japan, this species breeds from April to July. Adults inhabit coastal rocky reefs (Nakabo 2002). The juveniles float among seaweed and feed on zooplankton (Masuda et al. 1984). Adults use their sharp beak to feed on snails and barnacles (Masuda et al. 1984).

Means of Introduction: Most likely rafting on tsunami debris (Ta et al. 2018)

Status: There have been no observations of O. fasciatus in Monterey Bay since October 2015 (Ta et al. 2015). 

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.  

Remarks: Oplegnathus fasciatus is highly valuable as a food and game fish in Japan (Masuda et al. 1984).

References: (click for full references)

Jordan, D.S. and Fowler, H.W. 1902. A review of oplegnathid fishes from Japan. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 25:75-78.

Masuda, H., Amaoka, K., Araga, C., Uyeno, T., and Yoshino, T. eds. 1984. The Fishes of the Japanese Archipelago. Tokai University Press, Tokyo, Japan, 437 pp.

Mundy, B.C. Checklist of the fishes of the Hawaiian Archipelago. Bishop Museum Bulletins in Zoology 6, Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu 704 p.

Nakabo, T. ed. 2002. Fishes of Japan with pictorial keys to the species. English edition. Tokai University Press, Tokyo, Japan. 1474 pp.

Ta, N., Miller, J.A., Chapman, J.W., Pleus, A.E., Calvanese, T., Miller-Morgan, T., Burke, J., and Carlton, J.T. 2018. The Western Pacific barred knifejaw, Oplegnathus fasciatus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844) (Pisces: Oplegnathidae), arriving with tsunami debris on the Pacific coast of North America. Aquatic Invasions 13(1):179-186.

Other Resources:

Author: Brown, M.E. and P.J. Schofield

Peer Review Date: 10/31/2018

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.