Scientific
Name: Opistognathus rosenblatti
Family:
Opistognathidae
Common Names: BlueSpotted JawfishDescription:
The Bluespotted Jawfish is an extremely attractive fish. Its head is yellowish
brown which gradually blends into a darker, almost black body. The
long dorsal fin is yellow and the
body is covered with large bright blue spots. There is a wide
variance between specimens in how dark the body is. It is a very
personable fish which often becomes the favorite of the hobbyists who keep
it.
Natural Environment:
Tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
The Bluespotted Jawfish became virtually impossible to
get for a number of years when the collecting area was closed to
collection. In 2001, a new collection area was discovered and the
fish is once again becoming available in the hobby.
Care:
Reef Suitability: Bluespotted Jawfish are good reef
inhabitants. Their burrowing habits require a deep enough substrate to
burrow in. 3" is probably the minimum for them to be able to burrow
reasonably well. Some authors state a minimum of 10" substrate,
but that is not a requirement to be successful with this fish. Because
of their constant desire to burrow, they may tend to bury corals which are
placed on the sand and can make a nuisance of themselves.
Disposition: Relatively
non-aggressive, but
protective of its burrow which they stay near to unless they are darting after
food. They are usually left unbothered by other fish, but larger
aggressive fish may make it hard for them to feed as they may be hesitant to
leave their burrows. Should be kept one per tank as they will fight unless it is a male/female pair in a large tank.
Feeding: They
will readily take most meaty foods that are offered. Since they do not
usually venture far from the bottom, the hobbyist needs to ensure that the
Jawfish gets its fair share of the food. Many become quite bold and will
compete well with the other fish for its food. A well fed
Bluespotted Jawfish with have a noticeably plump, even bloated looking, belly after
a good feeding. If the fish is shy at first and not feeding well, you
should place some food down close to it using a turkey baster or similar
tool.
Hardiness: Fairly hardy if the specimen is healthy
when acquired. There appears to be quite a few specimens coming into
the trade which are in poor health. A number have died soon after
introduction with the symptom of large whitish spots appearing and in some
cases the skin has appeared to slough off. Could be a result of a
bacteria infection brought on by shipment trauma. They have a reputation
for being jumpers and many perish after going carpet surfing.
Temperature:
Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of at
least 76 to 84.
Size: The Bluespotted Jawfish grows to about 4" in
length.
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