Dusky Jawfish – Opistognathus whitehurstii
Species name: Opistognathus whitehurstii
Common names: Dusky Jawfish
Family: Opistognathidae
Order: Perciformes
Class: Actinopterygii
Maximum length: 3.9 in.
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
Hardiness: Eas
Aggressiveness: Peaceful but can be aggressive towards members of their own species. Should be kept with docile tank mates.
Reef Compatibility: Excellent. May eat small delicate shrimps.
Distribution: Western and central Atlantic, Indian ocean, and Pacific (Gulf of California to Panama).
Diet: Meaty foods. Feed on benthic and planktonic invertebrates. Live or frozen Brine, clams, marine fish, crustacean flesh and Mysis shrimp. They usually adapt well to frozen and even dried foods. Feed 3 times a day
Additional information:
Here is a really nice little fish that make a good addition to the reef aquarium. The Dusky Jawfish has a body that is thickly mottled with shades of dark brown and flecked with blackish spots. The caudal fin and posterior part of the dorsal fin are yellow with rows of small blackish dots.
they like to dig tunnels in which they live, with their head sticking out waiting for food to float by and then come out and grab it. They are active fish and are constantly looking for material (crushed coral or shells, etc.) to build up their home.
The ideal aquarium should have a temperature of 72 to 78ºF with a specific gravity of 1.020 to 1.025 and a pH between 8.1 and 8.4. They require a tank with a substrate of 3 to 4 inches with plenty of rock rubble and shells in order for them to construct a burrow. A flat rock on the bottom can also provide a roof for a potential burrow.
They won’t jump as often as other jawfish but the tank should be equipped with a tight-fitting lid.
More than one Dusky Jawfish can be housed in the same tank if the tank is large enough for both of them to establish their own territories.
Do you have experience with Dusky Jawfish?
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Article written by www.aquariumslife.com
References: Zipcodezoo, Reefs.org
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