Jawfish Blue Dot

Also known as the Blue-Spotted Jawfish. 

The Jawfish Blue Dot is a small, burrow-dwelling marine fish recognized for its pale body covered with bright blue spots and large expressive eyes. Known for its peaceful nature and unique “head-out-of-burrow” behavior, it is a captivating addition to sandy-bottom reef tanks. This species is ideal for nano to medium aquariums with deep sand beds and plenty of rock or rubble for burrow construction.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Opistognathus rosenblatti
• Common Names: Jawfish Blue Dot, Blue-Spotted Jawfish
• Adult Size: 3–4 inches (≈ 7–10 cm)
• Lifespan: Several years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful, shy, burrow-dwelling
• Reef Compatibility: Fully reef-safe
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Jawfish Blue Dot are native to sandy slopes and rubble areas of Indo-Pacific reefs. They spend most of their time inside burrows, poking their head above the sand to observe their surroundings.

Tank Environment:

• Deep sand bed (3–4 inches minimum) to allow burrow construction
• Live rock or rubble to provide shelter and support for burrows
• Moderate to gentle water flow
• Secure lid recommended — jawfish are 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 Blue Dot are carnivores that naturally feed on small invertebrates and zooplankton drifting near the sand surface.

Recommended Foods:

•  Mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp
• Copepods and small zooplankton
• Finely chopped marine meats
• Micro-pellets for carnivores

Feeding Schedule: Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions. Offer food near the sand surface or just above the burrow entrance to encourage natural feeding behavior.

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament: Shy, peaceful, and mostly sedentary, Jawfish Blue Dot spends much of its time inside burrows with only its head visible. They are fascinating to watch and can form small colonies in a suitable tank.

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with peaceful reef fish such as gobies, dartfish, and small wrasses
• Avoid aggressive or large predatory fish that may harass them or disturb burrows
• Safe with corals and most invertebrates

Special Behavior: Often exhibits mouthbrooding in males — they carry eggs in their mouths until hatching.

Breeding Potential

Jawfish Blue Dot may breed in home aquariums if provided with deep sand, stable water conditions, and minimal stress. Males are known to mouthbrood eggs, but raising the larvae requires specialized care and planktonic feeding.

Why Choose a Quarantined Jawfish Blue Dot

A quarantined Jawfish Blue Dot is already adapted to aquarium life, free from parasites, and conditioned to accept prepared foods. Quarantine ensures stronger, healthier specimens that are ready to thrive in your reef setup.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small to medium