Jawfishes

[mling]

I am thinking of getting a pair of Jawfishes when my tank has gone thru it's "cycle".

I was told that it is a good idea to get them as the very first inhibitants of the tank since they will adjust to the new enviroment faster if there are no other fishes around. Is this true ? What about other invertibrates like a shrimp ? Can those an other "clean up crew" came before a Jawfish ?

Is it a good idea to get a pair or just one ?

Has anyone any suggestion on where to buy them ?

I hear they are good jumpers but will settle down after a while. Do you need to cover the entire top or just 80% or so of it ?

I have 2in of sand with 2in of Aragonite above it. The surface area is 36" x 18", about 1/3 covered with life rock.
Do I need a higher substrate ?

 

[mattstewart]

I had a yellowheaded jawfish and about an inch between my lid and the back of my tank where the equipment hangs on. After about 2 weeks I couldn't find the little guy anywhere. I finally found him on the ground, and it was definatly too late. He must have been good becasue there wasn't much open space on my top. Make sure your top is COMPLETELY covered.

 

[fishfanatic2]

Your sand should be ok, a little more wouldnt help.

A pair of jawfish put on quite a show, it is fun to watch there antics, so i think u should get 2. :wink:

You can add cleaner crew first, but it probably is a good idea to make them the first or second (at most) fish so they can establish burrows.

 

[Anonymous]

I am thinking of getting a pair of Jawfishes when my tank has gone thru it's "cycle".

I was told that it is a good idea to get them as the very first inhibitants of the tank since they will adjust to the new enviroment faster if there are no other fishes around. Is this true ? What about other invertibrates like a shrimp ? Can those an other "clean up crew" came before a Jawfish ?


That's probably a good idea though what other fish are you planning to add with your Opistognathidae sp. ( Jawfish ). These tend to be fairly skittish fish so peaceful tankmates are a must. Yes your cleanup crew can be added first.

Is it a good idea to get a pair or just one ?

That depends on the species your getting and what size tank.

Has anyone any suggestion on where to buy them ?

I cann't comment on that.

I hear they are good jumpers but will settle down after a while. Do you need to cover the entire top or just 80% or so of it ?

Sorry but the whole tank must be covered.

I have 2in of sand with 2in of Aragonite above it. The surface area is 36" x 18", about 1/3 covered with life rock.
Do I need a higher substrate ?

This mixture is fine though small pieces of rock rubble and another inch or two of substrate would be better.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[Debbie G]

Jawfishes are my target fish, so I've been doing a little reading on them. Everything that I've read has said to give them a deep sand bed. Preferably 6 inches in some areas. And good luck with them!

Debbie G