All fish / Opistognathidae

Blue Spotted Jawfish

Opistognathus rosenblatti

Also known as bluespotted jawfish, blue spot jawfish, blue-spotted jawfish, rosenblatt's jawfish, cortez jawfish, blue dot jawfish, ブルースポッテッドジョーフィッシュ, 蓝点后颌䲢, 蓝点后颌鱼

A slender burrowing fish with a golden to tan body covered in bright electric blue spots, and a large head and mouth. It lives in a burrow it builds from sand and rubble, hovering above the entrance and darting back when alarmed, which makes it a fascinating display fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

20 to 25 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

115 litres

Keep as

Singly, or a mated pair in a larger tank

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Eastern Pacific: Gulf of California, Mexico

Breeding

Males brood the egg mass in their mouths for about a week, and males in display show striking dark and pale colouring. Pairs have spawned in aquariums, but rearing the tiny larvae is difficult and rarely achieved.

Good to know

It prefers slightly cooler water than most reef fish and is a strong jumper, so a tight lid is essential. Provide a deep mixed sand bed of at least 10 cm and avoid boisterous tankmates that stop it feeding.