Opistognathus aurifrons

Datasheet

General Description
The Yellowhead Jawfish, scientifically known as Opistognathus aurifrons, belongs to the Opistognathidae family and can be found in the Western Central Atlantic, ranging from southern Florida, USA, to Barbados and northern South America. These fish, reaching a maximum size of 10.0cm, are recognized for their docile temperament and interesting personality traits.

Aquarium Suitability
Considered suitable for aquariums with care, Yellowhead Jawfish thrive in environments with deep sand substrates that allow them to burrow. It is advised to keep them in a tank size of at least 200 liters and avoid aggressive tank mates or species that dig in the substrate to prevent stress on the Jawfish. Due to their jumping behavior, it is crucial to provide hiding spots and ensure the tank is secure to prevent escape.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness
Yellowhead Jawfish are known to be hardy and easy to care for when provided with the proper conditions. They prefer water temperatures ranging from 22.2-25.6°C, pH levels of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness of 8-12 dKH. These fish appreciate substrates with sand, coral pieces, and shells to create burrows, ensuring a secure and stress-free environment.

Reef Suitability
Yellowhead Jawfish are categorized as always reef-safe, making them compatible with reef aquarium setups. Their gentle nature and minimal interference with coral and other reef inhabitants make them a favorable choice for reef tanks.

Aquarium Setup
When setting up an aquarium for Yellowhead Jawfish, it is crucial to provide a deep sand substrate that allows for burrowing. Incorporating rocks in the tank layout can assist in creating secure hiding places for the fish. Ensuring a spacious environment with minimal disturbances from other digging species is essential to maintain the well-being of the Jawfish.

Behaviour
These fish are known for their shy yet intriguing behavior. Yellowhead Jawfish may exhibit "dancing" courtship rituals when mating and have a tendency to gasp for air at the surface until they have established a burrow. They can be housed in groups or singly, depending on the tank setup and compatibility with other species.

Feeding and Diet
Yellowhead Jawfish primarily feed on small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia, as well as zooplankton such as cyclops and pods. Providing a varied diet rich in these options ensures the nutritional well-being of the fish in a captive environment.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction
Males of the species are responsible for mouth incubation of eggs during the breeding process. Yellowhead Jawfish have been successfully bred in captivity, allowing for the availability of captive-bred specimens in the aquarium trade. It is advised to consult local fish stores for such specimens to support sustainable breeding practices.

Habitat and Distribution
Yellowhead Jawfish inhabit the Mexican Gulf and other regions in the West Atlantic. They are commonly found in areas with deep sand substrates that enable burrowing behavior, reflecting their natural habitat preferences in the wild.