The Stalix jawfish genus has unique dorsal-fin spines that help identify different species. These fish are found in the tropical Indo-Pacific region at depths of 1-134 meters. There are 11 known species, with four new ones recently described in Taiwan, Western Australia, and Papua New Guinea. Some species are found on opposite sides of the Indian Ocean. The study focused on the biogeography, systematics, and morphology of these jawfishes.