Opistognathus randalli
| Latin name | Opistognathus randalli - Smith-Vaniz, 2009 |
|---|---|
| Local name | Gold-specs jawfish |
| Family | Opistognathidae - Opistognathus |
| Origin | Indonesia, Central/West Pacific |
| Max length | 10 cm (3.9") |
| Minimum volume |
200 l (53 gal) 
|
|---|---|
| Hardiness |
Hardy
|
| Suitable for aquarium |
Suitable with care
|
| Reef safe |
Always reef safe
|
| Aggressiveness | Docile but might be aggressive towards similar species |
| Recommended |
Small crustaceans (Krill, mysis, artemia...) Zooplankton (Cyclops, pods...) |
|---|
This species is known to jump out of open aquaria.
These fish flourish better without other members of the same species in the aquarium.
These fish prefer a substrate which allows it to burrow.
A substrate consisting of sand, coral pieces, shells and small pieces of broken up shells is ideal for them to dig holes in.
One can also arrange rocks to enable the fish to create a hole underneath, making certain they are secure and cannot fall over.
There should be space to enable them to make a hole which is at least 1½ inch (3 cm) longer than their own body.
Other animals digging in the sand, can stress this species, if the aquarium is not spacious enough. Be therefore aware of, for example of Wrasses which burrow at night.
The male incubates the eggs in its mouth.
This species often has a fun and interesting personality.
This species is very shy and docile, so one should be careful when keeping it with more aggressive fish.
Jawfish (Opistognathidae) live in a small hole, and therefore require a deep sand substrate.
When given the right conditions, one has a good chance for success with keeping them, as Jawfish are fairly easy and hardy. One should not however add them to an aquarium with aggressive fish or others which dig in the sand, unless there is enough space.
Jawfish are known for hopping out of the aquarium, even through the smallest holes. This occurs when they do not have enough time to find a hole before the lights are turned off, so one should try to make a hiding place for them, when newly introduced.
Jawfish will sometimes gasp for air at the surface until they have made a hole. If this behaviour continues, it could indicate that the surroundings are not suitable or that the Jawfish is being disturbed by the other fish, this must be solved in order for the fish to survive.
| Aquarium trade | No |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Western Pacific: Indonesia, eastern Borneo and the Philippines. |
| English common names |
Gold-specs jawfish |
Scott W. Michael. 2001. Basslets, Dottybacks & Hawkfishes: v. 2 (Reef Fishes) - TFH Publications / Microcosm Ltd. - (English)
Henry C. Schultz. 2002. Let's Jaw About Jawfish - Reefkeeping Magazine - (English)
Bob Fenner. Jawfishes, Family Opistognathidae - Wet Web Media - (English)