Need a recommendation for a Jawfish

[Roks-Sharky]

I've got a REALLY deep sand & rubble bed and no one to stir it.

The tank is 150, 30 gallon refugium & 30 gallon sump.

I'd really like a jawfish. I spent a whole bunch of $$ on the blue-dot and I think they were both infested with internal parasites. They died.

Is that common among these fish?

Anyway I'm ready to try again.

What's cheap, cute, easy, and commonly available?

Can I keep like 3 together?

Anyone have luck breeding them? They are mouth brooders, seems easy enough.

Any opinions appreciated.

 

[panmanmatt]

I'd go with the yellow headed jawfish. They are cute, comical and readily available. You can even get them captive bred from time to time, so yes it is possible to breed/raise this variety.

A good place to get them is Sea Life Inc.. Ken often gets them in pairs and occasionally has the CB ones available.

 

[DaveK]

If you are going to keep jawfish, make sure the tank is covered, without the smallest opening, else the fish will jump out. Jawfish are excellent "carpet surfers".

 

[rmlevasseur]

Also be careful if you have anemones. For some reason this fish seems to find its way into the mouth of an anemone more than the others.

 

[jadefox]

Jawfish are awesome IF you have the right environment for them. Here is a quick article you may find useful:

A Jawfish Primer - A General Care Guide on Marine Fish from the Genus Opistognathus

You can also breed them! I have bred pearly jawfish in my refugium...they are mouthbrooders like Cardinals, you know? Here is a brief article on breeding them:

Breeding Pearly Jawfish - A Great Marine Mouthbrooder to Attempt Rearing in Captivity

Good luck, and let us know what you get!