HomeMarine aquarium fishGobies, blennies & dottybacksSmiler Smiler (Opistognathus jacksoniensis) Scientific name: Opistognathus jacksoniensis Macleay, 1881 The Smiler (Opistognathus jacksoniensis) is a marine fish of the family Opistognathidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–28°C (72–82°F). Native range: Western Pacific, probably from southern Queensland to Sydney Harbor (Australia). Smiler care at a glanceTemperature22–28°C (72–82°F) BiologyInhabits sand and rubble flats near reefs.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameOpistognathus jacksoniensisFamilyOpistognathidae (Jawfishes)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Depth range20 m (66 ft)EnvironmentMarine; reef-associated; depth range 20 - ? m, usually 30 - 50 mClimateSubtropicalDistributionWestern Pacific: probably from southern Queensland to Sydney Harbor (Australia).Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessUsesAquarium: commercial More gobies, blennies & dottybacksYellowhead jawfishOpistognathus aurifronsFire gobyNemateleotris magnificaYellow prawn-gobyCryptocentrus cinctusPersian blennyEcsenius midasGolden gobyGobius auratusTompot blennyParablennius gattorugineSee all gobies, blennies & dottybacks SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026