Spotfin Jawfish

The Spotfin Jawfish is a delightful small species named for the distinctive dark spots that adorn its fins, particularly noticeable on the dorsal and pectoral fins. The body coloration is typically a soft tan to light brown with subtle darker markings, while the spotted fin pattern gives this species a uniquely attractive appearance that distinguishes it from other jawfish. At approximately 3.5 inches in maximum length, this is one of the smaller jawfish species, making it well-suited for modestly sized reef aquariums.

In the wild, Opistognathus punctatus is found in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, inhabiting sandy and rubble-strewn areas near reef structures in relatively shallow waters. Like all members of its family, it constructs and meticulously maintains a vertical burrow in the substrate, spending its days hovering just above the entrance and retreating tail-first at any sign of disturbance. Its smaller size means it constructs proportionally smaller burrows, but the dedication to burrow maintenance and decoration is just as keen as in its larger relatives.

The Spotfin Jawfish is an intermediate-level species that requires the standard jawfish setup: a deep sand bed of at least 4 inches mixed with small rubble pieces for burrow construction, and a tight-fitting lid to prevent jumping. Its smaller size makes it slightly less demanding in terms of tank space, with a 30-gallon minimum being adequate. This species accepts frozen and prepared foods readily when offered near its burrow, making it relatively straightforward to maintain. Its compact size, attractive spotted fins, and engaging burrowing personality make it an appealing choice for smaller reef systems.