Bluespotted Jawfish

With the bright electric-blue spots covering its body, which ranges from golden yellow to tan, the bluespotted jawfish is one of the most eye-catching aquarium fish. A courting male briefly takes on a pattern that is dark in front and light at the rear. In the wild it lives only in the Gulf of California, in large colonies in waters shallower than 12 meters; it closes the entrance of its burrow in the evening and opens it again in the morning. The specimens sold are wild-caught. It is reported not to live long at typical reef temperatures, to be susceptible to disease and to be difficult to care for; it is not recommended for beginners.

• At least 110 liters; a large footprint.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4; keep the temperature at 21–24°C, a chiller may be needed in summer.
• Sand at least 10 cm deep mixed with small rubble and shells; set the rocks on the glass.
• A fully closed or mesh lid is essential; when startled it jumps very high.
• Reef-safe: it leaves corals and ornamental shrimp alone.

Carnivorous; in the wild it eats small invertebrates on the bottom and in the water column. Offer frozen mysis, brine shrimp, copepods and small sinking granules. Deliver the food near its burrow; feed twice a day.

Peaceful towards other fish, but it can be intolerant of its own species and other jawfish. In a calm aquarium it watches its surroundings with its head poking out of its burrow.

Good companions: Cardinalfish, calm gobies, firefish goby, fairy wrasses, ornamental shrimp.

Avoid: Other jawfish, large sand-sifting gobies, hawkfish, dottybacks, tough damsels and large predators.