Pearly Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons)

The Pearly Jawfish is one of the most fascinating and personality-filled fish available for reef aquariums. Native to the warm Caribbean, this peaceful species is recognized by its pearly white body covered in iridescent blue spots, bright yellow head, and expressive blue eyes. Unlike most reef fish, the Pearly Jawfish spends its days buildinh and maintaining its  burrow beneath the substrate, constantly rearranging shells, rubble, and sand. Hardy once established and full of character, the Pearly Jawfish is an excellent choice for reef keepers who can provide the deep substrate and peaceful environment it requires.

Suggested parameters

• Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

• Salinity: 1.025–1.026 SG

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH

• Calcium: 400–450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1250–1400 ppm

• Nitrate: 2–20 ppm

• Phosphate: 0.03–0.10 ppm

Care and temperament

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Reef safe: Yes; completely reef safe with corals and ornamental invertebrates

• Minimum tank size: 30 gallons (115 litres)

• Requires a fine sandy substrate at least 7–10 cm (3–4 inches) deep to construct a permanent burrow

• Provide plenty of small pieces of rubble, crushed coral, and shells to reinforce and stabilize its burrow

• Best kept in a mature aquarium with stable water parameters

• Can be shy initially but becomes increasingly confident once established

• A tightly fitting lid is absolutely essential, as Pearly Jawfish are exceptional jumpers, especially when startled

Diet

The Pearly Jawfish is a carnivore that readily accepts a variety of meaty foods once settled into the aquarium.

• Frozen mysis shrimp

• Enriched frozen brine shrimp

• Chopped krill

• Finely chopped shrimp, clam, and other marine meaty foods

• Copepods and other small crustaceans

• High-quality small marine pellets once acclimated

• Feed 2–3 small meals daily for optimal health and body condition

Compatibility and tankmates

• Excellent with clownfish, gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, firefish, fairy wrasses, flasher wrasses, anthias, and peaceful tangs

• Safe with corals, shrimp, snails, crabs, and other reef invertebrates

• Best housed with peaceful fish that will not intimidate it around its burrow

• Avoid aggressive dottybacks, large wrasses, triggerfish, puffers, lionfish, hawkfish, or other territorial predators

• Multiple Pearly Jawfish can sometimes be kept together in larger aquariums if ample space and multiple burrow sites are available, but aggression may occur in smaller systems

Health and acclimation notes

The Pearly Jawfish adapts well when introduced into a mature aquarium with an appropriate sand bed. Slow drip acclimation over 45–60 minutes is recommended before release. It is completely normal for a newly introduced fish to disappear into its burrow for several days while becoming comfortable in its new surroundings. Avoid disturbing the sand around the burrow during this period. A secure lid should already be in place before introduction, as newly acclimating jawfish are especially prone to jumping. Offering small frozen foods near the burrow entrance encourages feeding and helps the fish settle more quickly.

What you are buying

You will receive: 1 Pearly Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons)

Colouration consists of a pearly white body decorated with iridescent blue spots, a vibrant yellow head, and striking blue facial markings. Natural variations in colour intensity and pattern should be expected between individuals. Size and colouration may vary depending on age and collection location.

A mature aquarium with a deep fine sand bed, plenty of rubble for burrow construction, and a tightly fitting lid is essential before introduction. Slow drip acclimation is strongly recommended. Once established, the Pearly Jawfish becomes an incredibly rewarding, peaceful, and entertaining addition to almost any reef aquarium.

Why we love it

• One of the most entertaining fish in the hobby, constantly excavating and maintaining its burrow

• Peaceful and completely reef safe, making it an excellent addition to community reef aquariums

• Displays unique hovering behaviour, often watching the aquarium from the entrance of its burrow

• Full of personality and quickly learns the daily feeding routine

• A truly interactive fish that becomes the centrepiece of the lower portion of the aquarium