Fish Spotlight: Blue Dot Jawfish
The Blue Dot Jawfish is rather uncommon and timid with a
beautiful yellow, orange and blue body. This fish spends the
majority of its time burrowing in rocks and substrate and
absolutely loves to people watch, despite being rather jumpy.
Captive care should mirror their natural environment as
much as possible. This is not possible in most home aquariums due
to size restraints, but with good planning, a close replica can
be achieved. Jawfish are always located on reef flats at depths
ranging from 10 feet to 150 feet. They prefer to hover up to 5'
above their den, always having a 360° view of their surroundings.
Without an extensive view in all directions, they will hang lower
than usual or may only extend their head outside their den. This
reclusive behavior also occurs when actively swimming fish are
present. So what does all this mean? Plan
ahead. Jawfish should be the first fish added to
the home aquarium. It is harder to get them acclimated once other
fish are established. This does not mean if your aquarium already
has inhabitants that you cannot keep these fish, but it does make
it tougher to acclimate them.
Have you ever kept a Blue Dot Jawfish in your reef?