Jawfish Pearly Yellowhead Also known as the Pearly Yellowhead Jawfish. The Jawfish Pearly Yellowhead is a small, burrow-dwelling marine fish characterized by its pearly-white body and bright yellow head. Its peaceful and shy nature, combined with its unique “head-out-of-burrow” behavior, makes it a fascinating addition to sandy-bottom reef aquariums. This species thrives in nano to medium tanks with deep sand beds and suitable rock or rubble for burrow construction. Key Features Scientific Name: Opistognathus aurifrons Common Names: Jawfish Pearly Yellowhead, Pearly Yellowhead Jawfish Adult Size: 3–4 inches (≈ 7–10 cm) Lifespan: Several years with stable care Temperament: Peaceful, shy, burrow-dwelling Reef Compatibility: Fully reef-safe Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate Habitat & Tank Requirements Natural Habitat: Jawfish Pearly Yellowhead are native to sandy or rubble zones in the Indo-Pacific. They spend most of their time inside burrows, emerging cautiously to observe their surroundings. Tank Environment Deep sand bed (3–4 inches minimum) to allow natural burrow construction Live rock or rubble for shelter and burrow support Moderate to gentle water flow Secure lid recommended — jawfish are known jumpers and may escape if startled Recommended Water Parameters: Temperature: 72–78°F (≈ 22–26°C) Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025 pH: 8.1–8.4 Nitrate: Low to moderate Diet & Feeding Jawfish Pearly Yellowhead are carnivores, feeding on small invertebrates and planktonic prey near the sand surface. Recommended Foods: Mysis shrimp Brine shrimp Copepods and micro-zooplankton Finely chopped marine meats Micro-pellets for carnivores Feeding Schedule: Feed 1–2 times daily in small amounts, ideally near the burrow entrance to mimic natural feeding behavior. Behavior & Compatibility Temperament: Peaceful, shy, and burrow-oriented. The Jawfish Pearly Yellowhead spends much of its time partially concealed, emerging carefully to feed or observe its environment. Tank Mates: Compatible with peaceful reef fish such as gobies, dartfish, small wrasses, and cardinalfish Avoid aggressive or large predatory fish that may harass them or disturb burrows Safe with corals and most invertebrates Special Behavior: Males may exhibit mouthbrooding, carrying eggs in their mouths until they hatch. Breeding Potential Jawfish Pearly Yellowhead can spawn in captivity if provided with a deep sand bed, stable water conditions, and minimal stress. Raising larvae is challenging due to their planktonic stage and requires specialized care and feeding. Why Choose a Quarantined Jawfish Pearly Yellowhead A quarantined Jawfish Pearly Yellowhead is healthy, parasite-free, and acclimated to aquarium conditions. Quarantine ensures the fish is conditioned to prepared foods and ready to thrive in your reef tank, making it a more reliable and stress-free addition.
