Yellowhead Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons)

The Yellowhead Jawfish, Opistognathus aurifrons, also known as the Yellow Head Jawfish or Yellow-headed Pearly Jawfish, is easily recognized by its bright yellow head and light blue-green body. It dwells in the sandy, rubble-filled areas of the tropical Western Atlantic’s reefs, often staying close to its burrow or cave. In the wild, it can grow up to 5 inches, while in an aquarium, it typically reaches about 4 inches.

This species is endearing and has a lively personality, often showing curiosity towards people. A notable trait is that males are mouth breeders, carrying eggs in their mouths.

Moderately hardy, the Yellowhead Jawfish is somewhat timid and fares best with other gentle fish. It is a peaceful tank resident but may be harassed by other burrowing species. A habitat with 5-7 inches of soft, coarse substrate, like sand with varied particle sizes, is ideal. Since it’s prone to jumping when scared, a secure lid is essential for the tank. The Yellowhead Jawfish spends much of its time in its burrow, darting back at the slightest disturbance. If the tank is spacious enough, housing several together can be fascinating, as they exhibit unique “dancing” behaviors around their burrows. To stabilize their burrows, include various-sized rocks in the soft substrate.

Feeding this species can be a bit challenging as it’s a shy eater. In the wild, it feeds on tiny live foods near its burrow. In captivity, entice it with small bits of mussel, daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, or other meaty foods, gradually introducing prepared foods. Feeding should be done close to its burrow for comfort.