Tiger Jawfish

About this fish

Tiger Jawfish is a burrowing marine fish commonly kept in saltwater aquariums for its interesting sand-sifting behavior and active personality. The scientific name is not verified in the provided data, so this listing should be treated as a jawfish in the genus Opistognathus (family Opistognathidae) for general care guidance.

Features:

• Sand-burrowing behavior makes it a great choice for tanks with a deep, fine-grain substrate
• Often becomes more confident once it has established a secure burrow and consistent feeding routine
• Typically benefits from a tight-fitting lid, since many jawfish can jump when startled
• Generally prefers being left undisturbed during settling, with caves or rockwork that supports burrow sites
• Commonly trained to accept frozen foods after settling, but may prefer small meaty offerings at first
• Pairs well with peaceful tankmates that won’t compete for the same burrow zone
• Helps create natural-looking movement in the substrate as it feeds and patrols its area

Specifications:

• Group (general): Jawfish (Opistognathus genus, general care guidance)
• Care level: Moderate (needs appropriate substrate and stable conditions)
• Temperament: Typically not aggressive; territorial around its burrow
• Lighting: Not a primary requirement (place where it feels secure)
• Water flow: Moderate, with stable, low-turbulence burrow area
• Placement: Bottom/near burrow-ready sand bed and suitable rock structure
• Adult size: Typically a few inches (exact size varies)
• Diet: Small meaty foods (e.g., mysis/shrimp-based frozen foods and other fine frozen/live foods)
• Temperature: About 72–78°F (22–26°C) as a general marine range
• pH: About 8.1–8.4 (general reef-style range)
• Salinity: About 1.020–1.026 specific gravity (marine range)
• Alkalinity: Target reef-style stability as used for marine systems
• Calcium: Target reef-style stability as used for marine systems
• Magnesium: Target reef-style stability as used for marine systems