A Jawfish Primer
A General Care Guide on Marine Fish from the Genus Opistognathus
There are more than forty species of Jawfish for the marine aquarium--this guide discusses their general care and feeding and recommends two excellent choices.
Anamilia-->Chordata-->Actinopterygii-->Perciformes-->Opistognathidae-->Opistognathus lonchurus
While this guide deals with general care for Jawfish, there are more than forty species from the genus Opistognathus (Family Opistognathidae), and additional species-specific research should be undertaken before acquiring one of these fish.
OVERALL: Jawfish are named for their oversized mouths—they are paternal mouthbrooders—and they look a little like a blenny, although they are also quite goby-like. They can have remarkably personable dispositions, and make ideal fish for either the nano tank (24-30 gallons) or the much larger community reef tank.
GENERAL CARE: Most Jawfish are relatively hardy fish appropriate for the moderately experienced hobbyist. They are generally peaceful, and are excellent additions to a community reef tank larger than 24 gallons (because they are substrate-dwellers, footprint size is more important than overall gallons of water in the tank). Depending on the species and the size of the tank, either a single Jawfish or a small group may be kept together. The aquarium must have a deep sand bed with rocky rubble, as Jawfish are prolific tunnelers. Due to their burrowing behavior, be sure that the live rock in the tank is either resting on the tank bottom or is firmly situated on a rock rack or acrylic risers. This is essential if the aquarist is to avoid damaging rockfalls as a result of the Jawfish tunneling under rock resting on top of the substrate. Jawfish are known to be jumpers, and so the aquarium must be covered. The following water parameters are appropriate for most Jawfish, although you should do species-specific research before purchasing any specimen.
- pH : 8.1 - 8.4
- Temperature : 72°F - 82°F
- Specific Gravity : 1.021 - 1.025
- Carbonate Hardness (dKH) : 8 - 12°
FEEDING: Jawfish may appear shy at feeding time, and many will not venture far from their burrow to eat. Brine shrimp or even small pieces of raw table shrimp, mussel, clam or other chopped marine meaty foods are appreciated and are best presented near the fish’s burrow. Some aquarists supplement with an herbivore food as well.
TWO RECOMMENDED SPECIES:
Black Cap Jawfish (Opistognathus lonchurus)
(Bali Tiger Jawfish, Goldspecs Jawfish, Black Head Jawfish, Moustache Jawfish)
Sometimes also called the Moustache Jawfish (this fish has an orange “mustache” over its mouth), this fish comes from the Indo-Pacific, grows up to four inches in length and does well with the above diet and water conditions. This fish is known to breed in captivity. It is also known to be on the more aggressive end of the Jawfish aggression spectrum. The head and body of the Black Cap Jawfish, also known as the Moustache Jawfish, are green and orange. It has an orange stripe above the mouth, resembling a mustache. Generally available for between $20 and $25.
- $20.90 for a 2-4” specimen from Marine Depot
- $24.99 for a specimen from LiveAquaria
- $23.95-$29.95 (depending on size) for a specimen from Blue Zoo Aquatics
FishBase.com's Info on the Black Cap Jawfish
Pearly Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons)
(Yellow Head Jawfish, Yellow-Headed Jawfish)
See Pearly Jawfish Article to learn more about this Atlantic species of Jawfish. Generally available for between $20 and $25.
- $23.95 for a specimen Blue Zoo Aquatics
- $26.40 for a specimen from Marine Depot
- $26.99 for a specimen from LiveAquaria
FishBase.com's Info on the Pearly Jawfish
A Listing of Jawfih Species at FishBase.com
