Pearly Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons): Fascinating Burrowing Fish

The Pearly Jawfish features a distinctive light-yellow head with a muted blue-green body and displays captivating "dancing" behavior as it hovers above its burrow. These Caribbean natives are known for their elaborate burrow construction and mouth-brooding reproductive behavior, making them one of the most interesting fish to observe.

Specialized Setup Requirements: Pearly Jawfish require specific substrate composition (mixed coral sand and small rubble), secure tank lids to prevent jumping, and peaceful tank mates to thrive successfully. Best suited for aquarists who can accommodate their burrowing and territorial needs.

Size, Behavior, and Lifespan:

• Adult Size: 4-5 inches maximum
• Behavior: Obligate burrowing fish that spend most time maintaining elaborate sand burrows
• Activity: "Dancing" hovering behavior above burrow entrances
• Lifespan: 3-7 years in optimal conditions
• Reproduction: Mouth-brooding species (males hold eggs in mouth)

Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Size: 30 gallons for single specimen
• Preferred Size: 40+ gallons for easier territory establishment
• Substrate: 5-7 inches deep mixed substrate (75% fine coral sand, 25% small coral rubble)
• Security: Tight-fitting lid with no gaps - known jumpers
• Flow: Gentle to moderate water movement to avoid disturbing substrate

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76-80°F (24-27°C)
• Salinity: 1.024-1.026 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Flow: Low to moderate - strong currents interfere with burrowing

Diet and Feeding:

Carnivorous species requiring specialized feeding approach:

• Primary foods: Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp
• Supplemental: High-quality marine pellets, finely chopped marine fish
• Feeding method: Target feeding near burrow entrance recommended
• Frequency: 2-3 small meals daily

Compatible Tank Mates:

Best with peaceful, slow-moving fish:

• Cardinalfish species
• Firefish
• Peaceful wrasses (Fairy/Flasher wrasses)
• Sand-sifting gobies (different territory type)
• Peaceful blennies
• Royal Gramma (separate territory areas)

Avoid: Aggressive feeders, fast-moving fish, other burrowing species, territorial fish

Natural Behavior:

• Territory: Establish and defend 12-18 inch territories around burrows
• Construction: Continuously modify and maintain burrow architecture
• Feeding: Dart from burrows to catch food, retreat with items
• Social: Generally peaceful but territorial around burrow sites

Reef Compatibility:

Completely reef-safe. Their burrowing behavior can actually benefit reef systems by aerating substrate. Safe with all corals and invertebrates.

Aquaculture Availability:

Rarely bred in captivity, primarily available as wild-caught specimens from the Caribbean.

Ideal for: Aquarists who can provide specialized substrate requirements and secure tank setup, seeking a peaceful, fascinating burrowing fish with unique behavioral displays.