Bluespotted Jawfish (Opistognathus rosenblatti) Care Guide
Opistognathus rosenblatti is a Gulf of California jawfish covered in electric-blue spots that builds and reseals sand burrows daily.
Overview
Opistognathus rosenblatti, the bluespotted jawfish, is a small marine fish of the family Opistognathidae. It displays electric-blue spotting over a yellow or orange body; courting males develop a stark white front half. It is native to the Gulf of California and lives colonially in sandy-rubble burrows.
Taxonomy
- Family: Opistognathidae
- Genus: Opistognathus
- Scientific name: Opistognathus rosenblatti
Habitat
FishBase places the species in the Eastern Central Pacific, in the Gulf of California. It inhabits reef areas in sandy rubble, living in colonies at around 12 m depth with individuals spaced 1-3 m apart. The fish covers its burrow entrance at dusk and rebuilds the opening each morning.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Substrate: deep sand and rubble bed required for burrowing
- Adult size: 7-10 cm (FishBase reports up to 10 cm)
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Diet
Opistognathus rosenblatti is a carnivore that feeds on benthic and planktonic invertebrates. In captivity it accepts meaty marine foods such as mysis and enriched brine shrimp, offered about twice daily.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling species that is social within its own kind but aggressive toward intruders entering its tunnel. It suits peaceful tankmates such as gobies, cardinalfish and clownfish, and should not be housed with aggressive fish. Multiple jawfish need larger tanks to allow burrow spacing.
Breeding
According to Wikipedia, the species is a mouthbrooder that incubates the eggs in the mouth for about 5 to 7 days; courting males display bright white coloring and dart above their burrows to attract females. Captive breeding is regarded as advanced.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2007).