Tiger Jawfish (Opistognathus Randalli)

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Black, Green, Orange, Tan

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 4½"

Origin : Western Pacific

Family : Opistognathidae

Minimum Tank Size : 30 gallons

Other common names for Tiger Jawfish (Opistognathus Randalli) are Goldspecs Jawfish, Black Cap Jawfish or Black Head Jawfish.

The head and body of the Black Cap Jawfish, are green with faint orange stripes. It has a black spot on the dorsal fin, as well as a black cap on top of the head.

They do much better in reef tanks that do not house aggressive fish. It should reside in a 30 gallon or larger aquarium with a tight-fitting lid to prevent it from jumping out, and at least 3 inches of mixed substrate for burrowing. Don't forget to include plenty of broken coral branches, pieces of coral limestone, bivalve and snail shells. As time goes by the jawfish will construct a den for itself, slowly using the rubble you supply to build its new home. This entertaining burrower will give many hours of entertainment as it builds it’s burrow from various pieces of rock, rubble and sand. May even choose a flat rock as a roof and build on to that.

This species is very shy and docile, so one should be careful when keeping it with more aggressive fish. Any larger fish that darts or becomes hyperactive during feeding may potentially cause problems. A general selection criterion for a tank would be a passive, slow moving fish that is about the same size or smaller. It poses a possible threat to small shrimp.

The Tiger Jawfish is hardy and will spawn successfully in an aquarium.

Feed a varied diet consisting of chopped meaty marine foods. These foods include krill, raw table shrimp, squid, clam and mussel. It is also a good idea to occasionally supplement with some type of herbivore diet.

Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 4"; XLarge: 4” or larger.