Pearly Jawfish

Opistognathus aurifrons


(9 Reviews)

Pearly Jawfish
The Pearly Jawfish displays a distinctive light-yellow head with blue-green body and captivating 'dancing' behavior above its elaborate sand burrows. These fascinating Caribbean fish require specialized substrate composition and secure tank setup, rewarding dedicated aquarists with unique burrowing displays and peaceful reef-safe behavior.

Pearly Jawfish

Opistognathus aurifrons


(9 Reviews)

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Pearly Jawfish Care Facts

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Safe: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Max Size: 4 inches

Pearly Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons): Fascinating Burrowing Fish

The Pearly Jawfish features a distinctive light-yellow head with a muted blue-green body and displays captivating "dancing" behavior as it hovers above its burrow. These Caribbean natives are known for their elaborate burrow construction and mouth-brooding reproductive behavior, making them one of the most interesting fish to observe.

Specialized Setup Requirements: Pearly Jawfish require specific substrate composition (mixed coral sand and small rubble), secure tank lids to prevent jumping, and peaceful tank mates to thrive successfully. Best suited for aquarists who can accommodate their burrowing and territorial needs.

Size, Behavior, and Lifespan:

  • Adult Size: 4-5 inches maximum
  • Behavior: Obligate burrowing fish that spend most time maintaining elaborate sand burrows
  • Activity: "Dancing" hovering behavior above burrow entrances
  • Lifespan: 3-7 years in optimal conditions
  • Reproduction: Mouth-brooding species (males hold eggs in mouth)

Tank Requirements:

  • Minimum Size: 30 gallons for single specimen
  • Preferred Size: 40+ gallons for easier territory establishment
  • Substrate: 5-7 inches deep mixed substrate (75% fine coral sand, 25% small coral rubble)
  • Security: Tight-fitting lid with no gaps - known jumpers
  • Flow: Gentle to moderate water movement to avoid disturbing substrate

Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 76-80°F (24-27°C)
  • Salinity: 1.024-1.026 specific gravity
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Flow: Low to moderate - strong currents interfere with burrowing

Diet and Feeding:

Carnivorous species requiring specialized feeding approach:

  • Primary foods: Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp
  • Supplemental: High-quality marine pellets, finely chopped marine fish
  • Feeding method: Target feeding near burrow entrance recommended
  • Frequency: 2-3 small meals daily

Compatible Tank Mates:

Best with peaceful, slow-moving fish:

  • Cardinalfish species
  • Firefish
  • Peaceful wrasses (Fairy/Flasher wrasses)
  • Sand-sifting gobies (different territory type)
  • Peaceful blennies
  • Royal Gramma (separate territory areas)

Avoid: Aggressive feeders, fast-moving fish, other burrowing species, territorial fish

Natural Behavior:

  • Territory: Establish and defend 12-18 inch territories around burrows
  • Construction: Continuously modify and maintain burrow architecture
  • Feeding: Dart from burrows to catch food, retreat with items
  • Social: Generally peaceful but territorial around burrow sites

Reef Compatibility:

Completely reef-safe. Their burrowing behavior can actually benefit reef systems by aerating substrate. Safe with all corals and invertebrates.

Aquaculture Availability:

Rarely bred in captivity, primarily available as wild-caught specimens from the Caribbean.

Ideal for: Aquarists who can provide specialized substrate requirements and secure tank setup, seeking a peaceful, fascinating burrowing fish with unique behavioral displays.

Awesome looking healthy fish


Reviewed by: Ryan Vaughan on June 8, 2025

Eating very well.


Reviewed by: Gary Kaiser on Feb. 13, 2025

Love this fish got one for son while ago had to get one for my self


Reviewed by: Anthony Little on Feb. 11, 2025

This is 1 of my favorite fish. Love how mischievous it is. However I will not recommend that it is placed in a coral tank unless you don’t mind corals being covered in sand from sand spitting by the jawfish They love burrowing in the sand.


Reviewed by: Esther Hebert on Dec. 24, 2023


Reviewed by: Matt Reese on Sept. 24, 2023

Both my hammer coral and my new Jawfish arrived in great shape,, well packed, and on schedule, just as I expect from SWF. Thank you again!


Reviewed by: Edward Rasmussen on July 27, 2023

One of my favorite fish in my tank! Tons of personality. Fun watching her pop up from her burrow. Very pretty fish


Reviewed by: Ellen Lucas on Aug. 14, 2017

Love, love this goby! It is amusing to watch as it peeks out of its burrow. Real cute!!


Reviewed by: Esther Murphy on Aug. 7, 2017

This little started burrowing right away! Really cute to see him "standing" outside of his hole. He's very curious and industrious. Nice pearly sheen on him too.


Reviewed by: Emily Huang on Feb. 14, 2014

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