Black Cap Jawfish

(Opistognathus randalli)

Opistognathus Jawfish should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of rockwork and a deep substrate consisting of sand and coral rubble. Jawfish will quickly create burrows in the sand near feeding sources. Most Jawfish are peaceful and require peaceful tank mates that will not out compete them for food. Provide a diet rich in meaty foods a couple times daily. More than one can be added to large aquariums careful monitoring of the fish will be needed until their territories are established. Provide an aquarium with a tight fitting lid as they have been known to jump out of the aquarium.

Black Cap Jawfish are also sometimes known as the Gold Specks Jawfish. Rarely seen in the aquarium trade. Black Cap Jawfish are mainly a light pink to white color however depending on the lighting may appear a blue to purple color with yellow or orange stripes, yellow fins trimmed in blue and a brown head around its eyes. Black Cap Jawfish can grow to almost 4".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 30 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareEasyEasy
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFlake FoodFlake Food DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightHighHigh