Common name: yellowhead jawfish

General information

The Golden Jawfish, Opistognathus aurifrons, is a captivating and expressive fish known for its burrowing behavior and striking appearance. It has a predominantly yellow head and fins, with a pearly body that can exhibit various shades of blue and green. This species is a member of the jawfish family, which are known for their large mouths and ability to construct burrows in the substrate.

Jawfish are generally peaceful but can be territorial around their burrow. They are fascinating to watch as they meticulously maintain their homes, often spitting out substrate to keep the entrance clear.

Care

Golden Jawfish require a well-established aquarium with a thick sand bed for burrowing. They are sensitive to water quality, so stable conditions and regular maintenance are crucial. A varied diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood will help maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Golden Jawfish are mouthbrooders, with males incubating the eggs in their mouths until they hatch. This fascinating behavior can sometimes be observed in the home aquarium, although breeding success is less common in captivity.

Habitat

Opistognathus aurifrons is found in the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas to the northern coast of South America. They prefer reef environments with sandy bottoms where they can dig their burrows, typically at depths ranging from 3 to 40 meters.

Hobbyists should aim to replicate this environment by providing a deep sand bed and stable rockwork that does not impede the fish's ability to burrow and construct its home.