Blue Spot Jawfish

Blue Spot Jawfish (Opistognathus rosenblatti)

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Color Form: Light blue body with vibrant blue spots and a yellow head
• Diet: Carnivore
• Reef Compatible: Yes
• Water Conditions:
  • Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025
  • Temperature: 74–78°F
  • dKH: 8–12
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
• Max. Size: 4 inches
• Family: Opistognathidae
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Overview:

The Blue Spot Jawfish, also known as the Bluespotted Jawfish, is a captivating species prized for its stunning blue body covered with vibrant spots and a striking yellow head. Known for its burrow-building behavior and playful personality, this jawfish brings excitement to any marine aquarium. While they are peaceful and reef-safe, they require a well-prepared environment to thrive.

Habitat and Behavior:

Found along sandy or rubble-filled bottoms of the Gulf of California, the Blue Spot Jawfish is a burrow dweller. In aquariums, they will dig tunnels in the substrate and use them as their home base. They spend much of their time popping their heads out of the burrow, creating an endearing and interactive experience for aquarists. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial if their space is disturbed.

Diet:

As carnivores, Blue Spot Jawfish enjoy a diet of small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. High-quality marine pellets or frozen preparations can also be offered. Feed them 2-3 times daily to maintain their energy levels and overall health.

Care Tips:

The key to successfully keeping Blue Spot Jawfish is providing a proper substrate of fine sand mixed with rubble or shells, allowing them to construct stable burrows. Ensure that rockwork is stable to prevent accidental collapses. They are sensitive to poor water quality, so maintain pristine conditions with regular water changes. A tank lid or cover is recommended, as they are known jumpers.