All fish / Opistognathidae

Bartail jawfish

Opistognathus cuvierii

Also known as bar tail jawfish, banded jawfish, barred jawfish, cuvier's jawfish, bartail jaw fish, 条尾后颌鱼

This is a small burrowing jawfish with a tan to brown body crossed by darker bars, pale blotches and a barred tail. It digs and maintains its own burrow in the sand, then hovers at the entrance, which makes it a lively and characterful fish for a reef tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

8 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

115 litres

Keep as

Single or a mated pair; several only in large tanks with plenty of sand

Diet

Carnivore: mysis, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, quality pellets and frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Central Atlantic: Caribbean Sea, Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico to northern South America

Breeding

Males brood the eggs in their mouths until hatching, and this has been seen in aquaria. Raising the tiny planktonic larvae is difficult and rarely done at home.

Good to know

Needs a deep bed of mixed sand and rubble (at least 10 cm) and a tight lid, as jawfish often jump when startled. Avoid housing it with large predators or aggressive fish that will stop it leaving its burrow.