The Bluespot Club

[Dentoid]

I just ordered all three volumns from Marine Depot, should be here next week. If nothing else they should be a nice reference. Can never have too many books don't you know!

[lcstorc]

Well I spent most of the day today reading old RC threads about peoples BSJ. Unfortunately this seems like it was a waste of time since there was little real info there.
Most people seem to have lost theirs due to jumping. The second most frequent cause was a lot more scary. Apparently they can get some sort of disease or parasite (nobody seems to know what) that causes white areas on the fish. With only one exception this leads to the death of the fish. Nobody knows what causes it or how to treat it. They have tried various medicines and qt without success. The white areas can show up early or even after having the fish be apparently healthy in the aquarium for a number of weeks. Some people over there believe it is caused or promoted by the higher temps we have in our reefs but they really seem to be just guessing on a cause and no idea of a cure. I will be watching mine closely and will report anything I see that I feel is relevant. I may actually have a bit of a unique opportunity since I already keep my reef a bit cooler than most. My chiller is set on 76 as a compromise between the ponies and the reef. If the temp is the cause I may have a bit better chance but I am only a couple of degrees cooler than most so it may not be enough to make a difference. I guess only time will give us any indication and even then it will not be proof just one more piece of info.

[cheeks69]

What sent up a red flag for me was the comment from the Long Beach Aquarium, the fact that even keeping them at 76*F they've never kept any of them for longer than 24 months. Another thought that came into my head was that since these fish are found in deeper water maybe improper collection techniques are the problem similar to many of the deep water Centropyges.

[lcstorc]

One other thing I forgot that I read. Apparently sometime they are caught using cyanide. That could be part of the problem at least with some of the deaths.

[bluespotjawfish]

Anyone know what the normal lifespan is in the wild? I find it hard to believe that I had mine longer than anyone else (almost 3 years, and only lost it then because I killed it).

[Dentoid]

We have not been able to find any concrete data on this fish in the wild except where they come from and at what depths they have been found. It is reported that Mexican researchers as well as the Montery Bay Aquarium have done research. I have a request into the MBA for any literature that they may have relating to this fish. Here is the e-mail correspondence.

Scott, preliminary inquiries are turning up blank. I'm trying one more
thing but I won't get an answer for a couple of weeks. Sorry we couldn't
be of more help at this time.

Sincerely,

Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
We're Wild About Otters! - Opens March 31

-----Original Message-----
From: Scott McQuiston [mailto:smcq@att.net]
Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2007 3:14 PM
To: Equarist
Subject: Monterey Bay Aquarium: Email Feedback

Comments:
I have been doing a review of the literature on the Blue Spotted Jawfish
from the Gulf of California. I understand that a scientist at the
Monterey Aquarium was, or is, doing research on this fish. Is there any
information that I can obtain concerning this research. Thanks

It may not be wild studies though. The most information I have found is from Bob Fenner at Wet Web Media and ReefKeeping.com. If we are to trust their literature, assuming it is up to date, then the husbandry needs and character of this fish is similar to their Carribean counterparts the Yellow/Pearly Headed jawfishes. Although they come from tropical temperature regions. The temperature issue may be the key but I have found nothing concrete here except anecdotal evidence. Although Lorraine presents evidence to the contrary. I think Lynn is our control, so to speak, since she keeps her tank at a lower temperature. I have seen sites that reccommend lower temperatures, but I choose not to believe 100% those sites that are selling the fish.

Another thing that I thought of is depth. Perhaps the depths of our tanks is not deep enough for their liking, thus they feel the need to jump. It seems that my BSJF is obsessed with the surface of the water always looking up and hanging about halfway between her burrow and the surface of the water. Perhaps they are drawn to the rippling surface? As far as being frightened by the other fish. Again, I haven't seen this. She is right out there with everyone else at feeding time. Maybe she is not intimidated by the other fish in my tank. In fact my other fish don't come from the same region so she has nothing to fear since she has never encountered them before. I did read that in the wild their colonies are ravaged by certain Triggerfish and wrasses. So maybe they are more afraid of these types of fishes? I'll keep researching and post what ever I find.

Oh, and I have a surprise that should be coming very soon. Stay tuned!

[bluespotjawfish]

Can I guess what the surprise is? Is it gold and blue all over, or is it black and white all over?

Mine typically stayed at or right above its hole and when my large fish swam over it would zip into its cave, but popped right back out as soon as he was sure what it was, not scared, but cautious. Like yours, he always came out to eat with everyone else.

[Dentoid]

You'll be the first to know!

[bluespotjawfish]

Don't know about that, I'll be out of town tomorrow. All the neat surprises happen when I am gone. Make it a really good surprise!

[lcstorc]

Have a good trip. Hurry back to us.
Can't wait for your suprise Scott. We want pics quickly.

[bluespotjawfish]

Ok, I'm ready for my surprise, my eyes are shut and my hands are held out waiting...

[saltwaterfarm]

Well my Blue is supposed to come home tomorrow... Does that count?

[bluespotjawfish]

Absolutely! We get two surprises, my doggies are soo happy! I take it your new baby has been doing well (and you have been visiting her).

[saltwaterfarm]

Yes... I have visited everyday. Well... except today. He seems to be doing very well. I am a little unhappy because the LFS guy took home his purple firefish buddy. They seemed to be such friends. I should, if all goes well, have him home tomorrow after work.

[bluespotjawfish]

How could you stay away? After all, t hey are so cute!

Here's some BLUESPOT POWER for you


I think I guessed what our other surprise is. I think I will like it!