Dusky Jawfish

(Opistognathus whitehurstii)

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.

Dusky Jawfish are also sometimes known as the Dusty Jawfish. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. Dusky Jawfish are heavily mottled with different shades of brown and dotted with black spots. Dusky Jawfish can grow to almost 6".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 50 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: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietFlake FoodFlake Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightHighHigh