Common name: Puntang goby

General information

The Puntang Jawfish, scientifically known as Exyrias puntang, is a small, burrowing fish species that is not commonly found in the aquarium trade but can be a fascinating addition to a fish-only or a reef aquarium with a sandy substrate. They are known for their unique behavior of constructing and maintaining burrows in the sand where they spend a significant amount of their time.

Care

Puntang Jawfish require an aquarium with a deep sand bed to accommodate their burrowing behavior. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial towards their own kind, so it's best to keep them singly unless the tank is large enough to support multiple territories. These fish are not demanding when it comes to diet and will accept a variety of meaty foods and prepared aquarium diets.

Reproduction

In the wild, Puntang Jawfish are known to be mouthbrooders, with males incubating the eggs in their mouths until they hatch. Breeding them in captivity can be challenging due to their specific habitat requirements and the need for a well-established aquarium.

Habitat

Exyrias puntang is found in the Indo-Pacific region, typically in shallow coastal waters with sandy substrates where they can dig their burrows. They are often associated with coral reef environments but can also be found in other sandy habitats.