IntermediatePeacefulReef SafeIUCN: Least Concern
Dusky Jawfish
Opistognathus whitehursti
Family: Opistognathidae · Jawfish
Also known as: Whitehurst's Jawfish
(c) Pauline Walsh Jacobson, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Max Size
5"
Min Tank
30 gal
Lifespan
5-7 years
Origin
Western Atlantic, Caribbean
Diet
Carnivore
Swims
Bottom
Did You Know?
- Male jawfish don't eat for an entire week while carrying eggs in their mouths
- They use their oversized mouths as shovels, carrying mouthfuls of sand and rubble to construct elaborate burrows
- When startled, they can launch themselves several feet out of the water — making a tight lid absolutely essential
About
The Dusky Jawfish is a fascinating burrowing fish from the Caribbean that spends most of its time hovering vertically above its carefully constructed burrow, ready to dart back inside at the slightest disturbance. They are larger and more boldly patterned than the popular Yellowhead Jawfish, featuring a mottled brown and cream body with striking blue-green markings.
Like all jawfish, the Dusky Jawfish is an industrious burrow builder, using its large mouth to excavate sand and rubble, carefully arranging pieces of shell and rock to reinforce its den. Males are devoted fathers, carrying fertilized eggs in their mouths for about a week until they hatch — during which time they cannot eat.
In the aquarium, Dusky Jawfish require a deep sand bed (4+ inches) mixed with pieces of crushed coral and rubble for burrow construction. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial toward other jawfish and bottom-dwelling species near their burrow entrance. A tight-fitting lid is essential as they are proficient jumpers when startled.
Feeding & Diet
Carnivore
A planktivore and small carnivore that feeds on zooplankton and small crustaceans passing near its burrow. In captivity, offer frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. Feed 2-3 times daily. They prefer to catch food drifting past their burrow entrance.
Compatibility
burrowerreef-safepeacefulmouthbrooderjumper
Peaceful toward most tankmates but territorial around their burrow entrance. Best kept with mid-water and upper-water species that won't disturb the burrow. Compatible with clownfish, cardinalfish, chromis, and other reef community fish. May compete with other jawfish for burrow sites.
Check CompatibilityBreeding
Moderate
Males are oral brooders, carrying eggs in their mouths for about a week. Pairs will form in captivity if given adequate space. Breeding has been achieved by dedicated hobbyists. Larvae require rotifers and phytoplankton as first foods.
Special Requirements
- Deep sand bed (4+ inches) with mixed rubble for burrow construction
- Tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential — they are prodigious jumpers
- Provide small pieces of shell and rubble for burrow reinforcement
- Territorial around burrow — give adequate spacing from other bottom-dwellers
Water Parameters
Temperature72–78°F
Specific Gravity1.02–1.025 sg
pH8.1–8.4
Alkalinity8–12 dKH
Coloration
browncreamblue-green markingsmottled
Tags
burrowerreef-safepeacefulmouthbrooderjumper
