Pearly Jawfish

The Pearly Jawfish, *Opistognathus aurifrons*, is a captivating and active addition to the home aquarium. Known for its vibrant yellow head and iridescent blue body, this fish is a joy to observe as it diligently maintains its burrow in the substrate.

A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended to provide ample space for burrowing and swimming. The substrate should be deep and fine-grained, such as sand, to allow the Jawfish to construct and maintain its home. Live rock can be incorporated to provide additional structure and hiding places, but ensure there is open sand area for the Jawfish’s burrow. While generally peaceful, they can be territorial around their burrow, especially towards conspecifics. Keeping multiple Pearly Jawfish is possible in larger tanks with multiple suitable burrowing sites. They are not considered reef safe as they may nip at sessile invertebrates and corals while maintaining their burrow.

The Pearly Jawfish is a carnivore and its diet should consist of a variety of meaty foods. Offerings such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and other small frozen or live crustaceans are readily accepted. Feed small amounts multiple times a day.

In the home aquarium, the Pearly Jawfish typically reaches a size of 3 to 4 inches. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and can change to male. Breeding in captivity is challenging but has been achieved. There are no readily apparent visual differences between males and females.