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Yellowhead Jawfish
Opistognathus aurifrons
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Perciformes›Opistognathidae
📍 Caribbean & Western Atlantic
Charming burrowing fish that constructs a vertical burrow lined with rubble and shells. The yellow head contrasts with a vivid blue body. Male mouthbroods the eggs. Needs a deep sand bed of 4+ inches. Jumps, so a lid is essential.
Care Guide
Diet
Yellowhead Jawfish are carnivorous zooplankton feeders that require small, meaty foods. Offer frozen mysis shrimp, frozen copepods, and high-quality carnivore pellets once daily. Supplement occasionally with live brine shrimp or small crustaceans to encourage natural feeding behavior.
Behavior
These charming fish are primarily bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time constructing and maintaining elaborate vertical burrows in the sand. They are peaceful and non-aggressive toward other fish, though they may be territorial about their burrow. They are most active during dawn and dusk, often hovering near their burrow entrance.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is possible but uncommon in home aquariums. Males are mouthbrooders and will guard eggs within the burrow; provide plenty of sand depth (4+ inches) and minimal disturbance during breeding attempts. Success requires stable conditions, excellent water quality, and patience.
Tank Mates
Similar peaceful temperament and saltwater requirements; occupy different water zones
Small, peaceful bottom-dweller with compatible diet and habitat needs
Can form symbiotic relationships; both burrow-builders with similar water parameters
Peaceful, nocturnal fish that won't compete for burrow space or food
Non-aggressive, beneficial addition that occupies different ecological niche
Common Diseases
Ich (Marine Ich)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against surfaces
Raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C, maintain excellent water quality, consider copper-based treatments or hyposalinity therapy
Bacterial Infections
Torn fins, lesions on body, cloudy eyes, lethargy
Improve water quality, perform partial water changes, consider antibiotic treatments or quarantine
Parasitic Infections
Excessive scratching, visible parasites, weight loss, clamped fins
Quarantine affected fish, treat with appropriate antiparasitic medication, maintain pristine water conditions
Stress-Related Illness
Loss of appetite, hiding excessively, faded coloration, weakened immunity
Minimize disturbances, ensure adequate burrow-building materials, maintain stable water parameters and temperature
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- diet
- carnivore/zooplankton
- maxSize
- 4 inches
- salinity
- SG 1.020–1.025
- minTankSize
- 30 gallons
- temperature
- 73–81°F (23–27°C)
Temperature
73–81°F
23–27°C