Yellowhead Jawfish

The Yellowhead Jawfish is a uniquely charming species beloved for its fascinating burrowing behavior and endearing personality. This small fish features a pearlescent blue-white body topped with a bright yellow head, creating an attractive color combination that is easily visible as it hovers vertically above its burrow. Its large eyes and expressive face add to its considerable appeal among aquarists.

This species is a dedicated burrow-builder that constructs and maintains an elaborate vertical tunnel in the substrate, reinforced with small pieces of rubble, shell fragments, and coral pieces. It spends much of its time hovering vertically just above the burrow entrance, darting back inside tail-first at the first sign of danger. Watching a Yellowhead Jawfish construct and defend its burrow is one of the most entertaining behaviors in the marine hobby.

The Yellowhead Jawfish requires a deep sand bed of at least four inches, mixed with crushed coral and rubble pieces for burrow construction. It is a mouthbrooder, with males incubating eggs in their mouths for several days until hatching. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential, as this species is a prolific jumper, especially when first introduced or startled. Despite this drawback, its personality and behavior make it one of the most rewarding small marine fish to keep.