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.