Yellowhead Jawfish/Pearly Jawfish

About this fish

Yellowhead Jawfish/Pearly Jawfish is the common name for Opistognathus aurifrons, a saltwater jawfish that’s well known for its burrowing behavior. In a home aquarium, it helps create natural-looking sand “housing” and is an engaging centerpiece fish for aquarists who can provide a secure, sand-based setup and a meaty diet.

Features:

• Burrowing behavior: will spend time excavating and living in a sand burrow, so it benefits from a deep, stable sand bed
• Good for aquascapes with a “sand zone,” such as under rock overhangs or caves where a burrow entrance can be established
• Best kept in a way that supports the fish’s need for cover, as jawfish can use burrow areas to feel secure
• Generally not aggressive toward other tankmates, but provide adequate spacing and hiding/burrow options
• Eats meaty foods; responds well to appropriately sized frozen and/or live foods
• Typically tolerates normal marine tank lighting, with more time spent near the substrate than near the surface
• Aquarium security matters: take care to reduce escape risk (jawfish can jump)

Specifications:

• Scientific name (verified): Opistognathus aurifrons
• Type: Marine fish (jawfish)
• Care level: Moderate
• Substrate/placement: Requires sand for burrowing; place in the main sand area of the tank
• Water temperature: About 22–26°C (72–78°F)
• Salinity: About 1.020–1.025 SG
• pH: About 8.1–8.4
• Water flow: Moderate, with stable conditions
• Diet: Meaty foods such as appropriately sized frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis, and other small meaty items
• Lighting: Not a primary requirement; normal aquarium lighting is generally suitable